Topic: CLOTHES
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| Date: | 1400-1500 |
| Origin: | tuck 'to stretch cloth over hooks, pull' (13-19 centuries), from Old English tucian 'to treat badly, punish, criticize angrily' |
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tuck1
1 [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to push something, especially the edge of a piece of cloth or paper, into or behind something so that it looks tidier or stays in place She tucked an unruly lock of hair behind her ear.
She tucked an unruly lock of hair behind her ear.2 [transitive always + adverb/preposition] to put something into a small space, especially in order to protect, hide, carry, or hold it
tuck something behind/under/into etc something Giles was tucking his pile of books under his arm. He took the glasses off and tucked them in his pocket.
Giles was tucking his pile of books under his arm.He took the glasses off and tucked them in his pocket.3 [transitive]DCC to put a tuck (=special fold) in a piece of clothing
tuck something ↔ away
phrasal verb1
be tucked away
a) if a place is tucked away, it is in a quiet area : The village of Eyam is tucked away behind the hills.
The village of Eyam is tucked away behind the hills.b) if someone or something is tucked away, they are hidden or difficult to find : The envelope was tucked away in her jewel box.
The envelope was tucked away in her jewel box.2 informal to store something, especially money, in a safe place : Every member of the family can now tuck away either £9 or £18 a month in one of these savings plans.
Every member of the family can now tuck away either £9 or £18 a month in one of these savings plans.3 British English informal to eat a lot of food, usually quickly and with enjoyment
tuck in
phrasal verb2 to move a part of your body inwards so that it does not stick out so much : Stand up straight and tuck in your tummy.
tuck something ↔ in
Stand up straight and tuck in your tummy.3 also tuck into something informal to eat something eagerly : The ice creams came and we tucked in. They tucked into a hearty breakfast of eggs.
The ice creams came and we tucked in.They tucked into a hearty breakfast of eggs.tuck somebody ↔ up
phrasal verb1 to make someone comfortable in bed by arranging the sheets around them : Dad tucked me up in his and Carrie's bed.
Dad tucked me up in his and Carrie's bed.
