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tuck away

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To put something somewhere safe and out of sight, or to describe a place that is hidden and hard to find.

Literal meaning: To fold or push something into a tight, enclosed space.

Meanings

1 B1 neutral

To put something in a safe, hidden, or out-of-the-way place.

"She tucked the letter away in her desk drawer so no one else would find it."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

Used to describe a place that is located in a quiet, hidden, or remote spot (usually in the passive).

"The restaurant was tucked away down a narrow alley behind the cathedral."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To save money in a secure place, usually over time.

"Over the years, he had managed to tuck away enough for a comfortable retirement."

Grammar: separable
4 B2 idiomatic informal

British informal: to eat a large amount of food with obvious enjoyment.

"The kids tucked away three helpings of pasta before anyone else had finished their first."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Has three common uses: (1) storing or hiding something in a safe place, (2) describing a location that is hidden or remote (often in the passive: 'tucked away in the hills'), and (3) British informal meaning to eat food enthusiastically. All three uses are common in everyday British and general English.

Commonly used with

money savings village cottage note food

Forms

Base
tuck away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tucks away
he/she/it
Past simple
tucked away
yesterday
Past participle
tucked away
have + pp
-ing form
tucking away
continuous

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Synonyms

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