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tuck in

A2 informal separable both
In simple words

To cover someone with blankets so they're cosy in bed, or to start eating with enthusiasm.

Literal meaning: To push or fold something inward (e.g. a shirt tucked into trousers).

Meanings

1 A2 informal

To make someone, especially a child, comfortable in bed by folding the bedcovers snugly around them.

"She kissed her daughter on the forehead and tucked her in for the night."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

(British, informal) To begin eating with enthusiasm and appetite.

"The food arrived and everyone tucked in straight away."

Grammar: inseparable
3 A2 neutral

To push or fold the edges of something (fabric, a shirt, sheets) neatly inward or underneath.

"Please tuck your shirt in before you go to the interview."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

The 'put to bed' sense is widely used in British and Australian English. The 'start eating' sense (intransitive) is chiefly British. As 'fold fabric in', it is separable and neutral in register.

Commonly used with

children blanket bedtime shirt corners meal

Forms

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

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