Phrasal verb
cook away
Meanings
to continue cooking for a period of time, often steadily
to cook until the liquid reduces or the mixture thickens over time
Definition
To cook something for a long time, often steadily, until it is done or reduced.
"Cook away" means to keep cooking something continuously, usually for quite a while. It often suggests leaving food to simmer or bake while you do other things. It can also imply that the food will reduce in volume as it cooks.
Examples
- I let the soup cook away while I set the table.
- You can cook away the onions until they turn golden and soft.
- He left the stew to cook away on low heat all afternoon.
- She watched the sauce cook away until it was thick enough to coat a spoon.
- They put the casserole in the oven and let it cook away during the movie.
Common mistake
Learners often use "cook away" when they mean "cook off" or "burn off" (removing something by heat), but "cook away" mainly emphasizes continuing to cook for a while.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.