tuck

[tʌk]

tuck Definition

  • 1to put something into a small space so that it is safe, comfortable, or tidy
  • 2to push the ends of a piece of clothing or material under or behind something in order to hold it in place
  • 3to eat heartily or greedily

Using tuck: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tuck" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    She tucked her hair behind her ears.

  • Example

    He tucked his shirt into his pants.

  • Example

    I tucked the letter away in my drawer.

  • Example

    The child was tucked up in bed.

  • Example

    He tucked into his meal with relish.

tuck Synonyms and Antonyms

Antonyms for tuck

Idioms Using tuck

  • to retreat or flee from a situation, often due to fear or cowardice

    Example

    When they heard the loud noise, the burglars tucked tail and ran.

  • to go to bed

    Example

    It's getting late, let's tuck into bed.

  • tuck one's tail between one's legs

    to show shame or embarrassment after a failure or defeat

    Example

    After losing the game, the team tucked their tails between their legs and left the field.

Phrases with tuck

  • to store something in a safe or secret place

    Example

    She had tucked away some money for emergencies.

  • to make someone, especially a child, comfortable in bed by pulling the covers tightly around them

    Example

    She tucked the child in and kissed him goodnight.

  • to start eating something eagerly and with enthusiasm

    Example

    We all tucked into the delicious food.

Origins of tuck

from Middle English 'tukken', meaning 'to pull, pluck'

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Summary: tuck in Brief

The verb 'tuck' [tʌk] means to put something into a small space for safety or tidiness, to secure clothing or material, or to eat heartily. Examples include 'She tucked her hair behind her ears,' 'He tucked his shirt into his pants,' and 'He tucked into his meal with relish.' Phrases like 'tuck away' and 'tuck in' denote storing something safely or making someone comfortable in bed, respectively. Idioms like 'tuck tail and run' and 'tuck one's tail between one's legs' express fleeing or showing shame after a failure or defeat.

How do native speakers use this expression?