"Tucked away" is a phrasal verb that means to be hidden or placed out of sight. The word "tucked" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /tʌkt/, with a short "u" sound and a hard "k" sound. The sound /t/ is followed by the sound /ʌ/ as in "uh," and a final /t/ sound. The word "away" is spelled with the phonetic transcription /əˈweɪ/, with a schwa sound /ə/ and a long "a" sound as in "say." Together, the phrase is spelled /tʌkt əˈweɪ/.
Tucked away is a phrasal verb that refers to the act of hiding, secreting, or placing something in a safe or inconspicuous location. It typically conveys the idea of stashing or keeping something aside, out of sight, off the beaten path, or in a secluded spot. This expression can be used both literally and figuratively.
In a literal sense, tucked away implies physically putting or storing an object in a discreet or hard-to-find place. For example, one might tuck away important documents in a locked drawer, or tuck away a valuable item in a hidden compartment. This usage highlights the idea of safeguarding or preserving something precious.
Figuratively, tucked away carries a metaphorical meaning, often associated with hiding or preserving information, feelings, or memories. It denotes keeping something private, undisturbed, or protected from public scrutiny. For instance, a person might tuck away their deepest emotions, tucking them away in the recesses of their heart.
Alternatively, tucked away can also signify a hidden or remote location that is hard to find or access. It suggests a place that is tucked away from people's awareness or usual routes. Examples include tucked away cafes on quiet streets, tucked away cottages in the countryside, or tucked away corners of a library where one can find solitude.
In general, tucked away represents an act of intentionally concealing or preserving, either physically or metaphorically, something in a specific, often secluded or secret, location.
The phrase "tucked away" is composed of two components:
1. TUCK: The verb "tuck" can be traced back to the Middle English word "tukken", which meant "to pull or gather up". It originated from the Old English word "tūcian", meaning "to draw together" or "to contract". Over time, "tuck" evolved to have various meanings related to folding, gathering, or inserting something neatly.
2. AWAY: "Away" is an adverb that has been part of the English language since the 14th century. It comes from the Old English word "onweg" (on meaning "on" and weg meaning "way" or "journey"). It indicates the sense of moving or being in a different location, often out of sight or hidden.