Phrasal verb
give away
To give away means to give something to someone for free or to reveal a secret unintentionally or intentionally.
Meanings
To give something to someone for free; to donate or gift something.
To reveal a secret or information that should be kept hidden, intentionally or accidentally.
To betray an identity, feeling, or location through behavior, appearance, or clues.
Definition
Give away is a common phrasal verb with two main meanings. It can mean to give something to someone without asking for payment, often as a gift or donation. It can also mean to reveal information that was supposed to stay secret, sometimes by accident through words, actions, or expressions.
Examples
- I don’t want to give away the ending of the movie.
- She decided to give away her old bike to a neighbor.
- They almost gave away the surprise when they started laughing.
- His trembling voice gave away his nervousness during the presentation.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse give away (reveal/donate) with give out (distribute or stop working).
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.