Phrasal verb
give away
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
To give away means to give something to someone for free or to reveal a secret unintentionally or intentionally.
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.