stash away
Definition
Verb: * To secretly store or hide something, especially money or valuable items, for future use.
Usage
- This phrasal verb is transitive and requires a direct object (the thing being stored).
- It often implies a deliberate, sometimes secretive, act of putting something away for safekeeping or later use.
- It is commonly used in informal contexts.
Examples
- She decided to stash away a portion of her salary every month for her retirement.
- He stashed the old letters away in a box under the bed.
- Squirrels stash away nuts for the winter.
Advanced Usage
- The verb can be separated by the object: "stash [something] away."
- It can imply hoarding or accumulating something over time.
- Over the years, he had stashed away a small fortune.
Variants and Related Words
- Stash (verb/noun): The base form. As a noun, it refers to the collection of items that have been stored.
- Verb: He stashed the cash in a safe place.
- Noun: The police found a stash of illegal weapons.
- Store away: A more neutral synonym without the connotation of secrecy.
- Salt away: An idiomatic synonym with a very similar meaning, specifically for money.
- They've been salting away money for their children's education.
Synonyms
- Hoard
- Cache
- Save (up)
- Put by
- Lay by
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Put away: To store something in its proper place. Less secretive than "stash away."
- Please put away your toys.
- Tuck away: To store or place something in a secluded or secure spot. Can be used similarly to "stash away."
- They have a cozy cabin tucked away in the mountains.
Related Idioms
- Save for a rainy day: To save money for a time of future need or emergency. This is the conceptual goal of "stashing away" money.
- Her grandmother always advised her to save for a rainy day.
Verb
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keep or lay aside for future use
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store grain for the winter
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The bear stores fat for the period of hibernation when he doesn't eat
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