What Does โSquirrel sth awayโ Mean?
โSquirrel sth awayโ means to save or hide something, usually money or small items, for future use.
Introduction
The phrase โSquirrel sth awayโ is a common phrasal verb in English. It refers to the act of carefully saving or hiding something, often in small amounts, so it can be used later. People often squirrel money away to build savings quietly over time. The squirrel sth away meaning comes from how squirrels hide nuts to eat later. This expression is useful when talking about saving things secretly or gradually. You can use it in both formal and informal contexts.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: Squirrel something away
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B2
- Short meaning: To save or hide something for future use
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โSquirrel awayโ is a separable phrasal verb. You can place the object between โsquirrelโ and โawayโ or after โaway.โ
- Pattern 1: squirrel something away (e.g., She squirrels money away every month.)
- Pattern 2: squirrel away something (e.g., He squirrels away cash in his drawer.)
How to Use Squirrel sth away?
Use โsquirrel sth awayโ when you want to describe saving or hiding something carefully. It is often used with money but can apply to other small items. This phrase implies a sense of secrecy or cautious saving. Itโs great for talking about building savings slowly or stashing items away for later.
Examples
People often squirrel money away to prepare for emergencies.
- She squirrels away a little cash every week for her holiday.
- Heโs been squirreling away old books in the attic.
- They squirrel away supplies before the winter arrives.
- Many families squirrel away savings to buy a new home.
- Itโs wise to squirrel away some money for unexpected expenses.
Here is squirrel sth away in a sentence: โI try to squirrel away a small amount of money every month.โ
Common Mistakes
People sometimes confuse โsquirrel sth awayโ with throwing things away or spending them.
- Incorrect: I squirrel away my money by spending it quickly.
- Correct: I squirrel away my money by saving a little each week.
- Incorrect: She squirrels away her clothes in the trash.
- Correct: She squirrels away her clothes in the closet for winter.
Differences / Synonyms
โSquirrel sth awayโ is similar to โstash away,โ โsave up,โ and โput aside.โ However, โsquirrel awayโ often implies secrecy or careful hiding, like a squirrel hiding nuts.
- Stash away: To hide something, often secretly.
- Save up: To gradually save money.
- Put aside: To save or reserve something for later.
The key difference is that โsquirrel awayโ suggests a cautious and sometimes secretive saving process.
Common Collocations
People often use โsquirrel awayโ with money or small objects. Here are common collocations:
- Money โ saving money bit by bit
- Cash โ hiding cash for emergencies
- Supplies โ storing items for future use
- Documents โ keeping papers safe and hidden
- Food โ saving food for later
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a simple conversation using โsquirrel sth awayโ:
Anna: Iโm trying to squirrel some money away for a new laptop.
Ben: Thatโs smart. How much do you save each month?
Anna: About $50. It doesnโt seem like much, but it adds up.
Ben: Good idea. I should start squirreling some cash away too.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences below using the correct form of โsquirrel sth away.โ
- She ________ (squirrel) some money away every week.
- They ________ (squirrel) old toys away in the attic.
- I want to ________ (squirrel) a little cash away for emergencies.
- He always ________ (squirrel) away important documents.
FAQ
- What does โsquirrel sth awayโ mean? It means to save or hide something carefully for future use.
- Can I use โsquirrel awayโ with things other than money? Yes, you can use it with small items like supplies, documents, or food.
- Is โsquirrel sth awayโ formal or informal? It is mostly informal but can be used in everyday and semi-formal contexts.
- Can I separate the verb and particle? Yes, you can say โsquirrel money awayโ or โsquirrel away money.โ
- What is the origin of โsquirrel sth awayโ? It comes from squirrels hiding nuts for winter, symbolizing saving or hiding.
