tuck

To push or place something into a small, safe, or partly hidden space.

• Tuck your shirt into your trousers.
• She tucked the money inside her shoe.
• He tucked the children into bed.

How to use it: tuck something into something (She tucked the note into her pocket.); tuck someone in (He tucked his daughter in before leaving.)

Similar words: push, slip, insert

Common phrases: tuck something away, tuck something in, tuck into bed

To fit comfortably into a small space.

• The chair will tuck under the table.
• This little desk tucks neatly into the corner.
• Will the basket tuck beneath the bed?

How to use it: tuck into something (The sofa tucks into the alcove.); tuck under something (The stool tucks under the desk.)

Similar words: fit, nestle

Common phrases: tuck into something, tuck under something

To bring your knees close to your chest and make your body small and round.

• Tuck tightly before you roll.
• The diver tucked during the turn.
• She tucked, spun twice, and landed on her feet.

Similar words: curl up

Opposites: stretch out

Common phrases: tuck tightly, tuck and roll

An operation that removes extra skin to make part of the body look firmer.

• She had a tummy tuck.
• The surgeon explained how the tuck would work.
• Recovery from the tuck took several weeks.

Common phrases: tummy tuck, facial tuck