Squirrel away is an idiomatic expression meaning to hide or store something for future use. The word squirrel is spelled as /ˈskwərəl/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The 's' at the beginning is pronounced as /sk/ due to the consonant cluster. The 'q' is followed by a 'u' as in most English words, and the '-rel' syllable is pronounced as /rəl/. The word 'away' is pronounced as /əˈweɪ/ in IPA, with the stress on the second syllable.
Squirrel away is a phrasal verb that is typically used to describe the action of secretly storing or saving something for future use or for safekeeping. The term originated from the behavior of squirrels who collect and hide nuts or food in various locations.
To squirrel away something means to carefully hide or store it in a secure or inconspicuous place, often with the intention of keeping it hidden from others. This action is usually associated with valuable items, money, or objects of personal importance that an individual wishes to safeguard or reserve for later use.
The phrase can also be figuratively used to describe the act of saving or hoarding resources, such as time or energy, for a specific purpose at a later time. It implies a certain level of discretion or secrecy, as the squirrel-like behavior suggests that the person is being cautious and strategic in their storage methods.
For example, you might hear someone say, "She squirreled away her earnings in a secret bank account." This indicates that the individual has been quietly accumulating and safeguarding their money without others being aware of it.
Overall, "squirrel away" is a phrase used to describe the act of secretly storing or saving something, whether physical possessions or intangible resources, with the purpose of preserving it for the future.
The phrase "squirrel away" is derived from the behavior of squirrels, which are known for collecting and hiding nuts and seeds for future use. The word "squirrel" comes from the Greek word "skiouros", which means "shadow-tailed" or "shade-tailed". In Old English, the term was "squirel", and it eventually evolved into "squirrel" in Middle English.
The addition of "away" in the phrase "squirrel away" serves to emphasize the action of hiding something or stashing it in a secure place. This expression likely originated from the observation of squirrels as they store food in various locations, often in hidden or protected spots, to ensure they have a supply during the winter or times of scarcity.