Definition

1. Verb:
   • To roll or fold something, especially a sail, flag, or umbrella, neatly and securely into a compact cylindrical shape, and often to fasten it in that position.

Usage

• Transitive verb: The action is performed on an object.
  • The sailors will furl the sails before the storm.
  • Please furl the flag at sunset.
• Intransitive verb: The subject itself undergoes the action.
  • The large sail furled neatly with a pull of the rope.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• "to furl away": To put something away by furling it.
  • The banners were furled away after the ceremony.
• Used metaphorically to describe closing or putting something aside.
  • She furled her ambitions and focused on the present task.

Variants and Related Words

• Furler (n): A mechanical device used to roll up a sail on a boat.
• Furling (n/adj): The act or process of furling; designed for furling (e.g., a furling system).

Synonyms

• Roll up: To form into a cylindrical shape.
• Coil: To wind into a series of loops.
• Stow: To pack or store away neatly.

Antonyms

• Unfurl: To spread or open out something that has been rolled up.
• Unroll: To open something that is rolled.
• Deploy: To spread out or arrange for action.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Furl up: To roll something up completely.
  • The old map was brittle, so we furled it up gently.

Related Idioms

• To furl one's sails: To restrain oneself; to become less active or ambitious.
  • After the initial failure, he decided to furl his sails and reconsider his strategy.

Verb

1. form into a cylinder by rolling
   • Roll up the cloth