The spelling of "packs away" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first sound in "packs" is a voiceless velar stop /k/, followed by the short vowel sound /æ/. Then, there is the voiced alveolar fricative sound /z/ and the word-final unvoiced velar stop /k/. In "away," the diphthong /eɪ/ is used for the vowel sound, followed by the voiced bilabial nasal /n/ and finally the word-final voiceless alveolar stop /t/. Thus, the correct spelling for this phrase is "packs away."
The term "packs away" is a phrasal verb that mostly means to put or store items in a particular place or container in an organized manner. It typically refers to the action of arranging and tidying up belongings for future use or keeping them in an orderly fashion to maintain a clean and clutter-free space. When someone "packs away" their possessions, they carefully gather and put them in an appropriate storage area, such as boxes, drawers, or closets.
This phrasal verb can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of mentally or emotionally storing or suppressing thoughts, feelings, or memories. In this sense, a person "packs away" certain emotions or experiences, usually as a coping mechanism or due to a desire to avoid facing them or dealing with their impact.
The term "packs away" often implies organization, efficiency, and the intention to create a sense of order. It is commonly used in relation to tasks such as tidying up after an event or party, preparing for a move or trip, or simply maintaining a neat and organized living or workspace. Additionally, it can reflect the act of prolonging the life or freshness of food items by sealing them properly in containers or packaging.
In summary, "packs away" refers to the action of systematically storing, arranging, or tidying up belongings or emotions in a planned and organized manner.
The phrase "packs away" is composed of two separate words: "packs" and "away".
The word "pack" originated from the Middle Dutch word "pakken" and the Old French word "pacquer", both meaning "to pack". It was adopted into the English language in the 16th century.
The term "away" has Old English roots, specifically from the word "onweg", which means "on the road" or "to go". Over time, "onweg" transformed into "away" in modern English.
When combined, "packs away" refers to the action of carefully putting or storing items or belongings into a container, typically to be transported or stored elsewhere. The etymology of the individual words contributes to the meaning of the phrase.