tuck-in

After the long hike, we all enjoyed a massive tuck-in.

Definition

1. Noun:

   • A hearty meal: "tuck-in" refers to a large, satisfying meal, often eaten with enthusiasm. It is informal and typically used in British English.
   • A meal eaten quickly: In some contexts, it can imply a meal consumed in a hurried or greedy manner.

2. Verb phrase (used as "tuck in"):

   • To eat heartily: To begin eating a meal with great appetite or eagerness.
   • To put something into a confined space: To fold or push the edges of something (like bedding or clothing) neatly into place.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • After the long hike, we had a proper tuck-in at the pub. (A large, satisfying meal.)
  • The children finished their tuck-in in minutes. (A meal eaten quickly and with gusto.)

• Verb phrase (as "tuck in"):

  • "Dinner is ready — tuck in!" (Begin eating heartily.)
  • She tucked in the sheets tightly around the mattress. (She folded the edges neatly.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have a tuck-in": to enjoy a large meal.

  • We had a grand tuck-in at the family reunion. (We ate a large, festive meal.)

• "tuck-in time": the time for eating a hearty meal, often used in informal or family settings.

  • It's nearly tuck-in time, so wash your hands. (It's nearly time to eat.)

Variants and Related Words

• Tuck (verb): the base verb meaning to fold or push something into place.

  • He tucked his shirt into his trousers. (He pushed the shirt inside.)

• Tuck (noun): a fold or pleat in fabric, or a small snack (informal).

  • The dress has a tuck at the waist. (A sewn fold.)

• Tuck shop: a small shop selling sweets and snacks, especially in schools.

  • The children bought candy from the tuck shop. (A school snack shop.)

Synonyms

• Noun: Feast, spread, blowout (informal), repast.
• Verb phrase: Dig in, eat up, chow down (informal).

Phrasal Verbs

• Tuck in: to eat heartily (as above).

  • Everyone tucked in as soon as the food was served. (Everyone began eating eagerly.)

• Tuck up: to put someone to bed by covering them snugly.

  • She tucked up the child in bed. (She covered the child warmly.)

• Tuck away: to hide or store something in a safe place, or to eat a large amount.

  • He tucked away a whole pizza. (He ate a large amount.)

Related Idioms

• Tuck into: to start eating enthusiastically.

  • They tucked into the roast chicken. (They ate it eagerly.)

• Tuck one's tail between one's legs: to retreat in fear or humiliation (not directly related to eating).

  • After losing the argument, he tucked his tail between his legs and left. (He retreated meekly.)