sock away
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To save money and keep it somewhere safe for later.
Literal meaning: Historically from putting money in a sock for safekeeping — the figurative meaning is now primary.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To save money regularly and carefully, often secretly, for the future.
"Over twenty years, she managed to sock away enough money to retire early."
Grammar: separable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To put something aside or store it for later use (extended, non-financial sense).
"He socked away three months of food supplies in the basement."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Primarily American English. Often implies saving discreetly or building up savings quietly over time. Mostly used for money, occasionally for other resources.
Commonly used with
money savings cash funds earnings profits
Forms
Base
sock away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
socks away
he/she/it
Past simple
socked away
yesterday
Past participle
socked away
have + pp
-ing form
socking away
continuous
Understand "sock away" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "sock away" on Looplines