tuck in

To push the bottom of your shirt inside your trousers or skirt.

• Tuck in your shirt, please.
• He tucked his shirt in before the meeting.
• Should I tuck this blouse in?

How to use it: tuck something in (Tuck your shirt in before the photograph.); tuck something in/to something (She tucked her blouse into her skirt.)

Opposites: untuck

Common phrases: tuck in something, tuck in a shirt

To make someone comfortable in bed by placing the covers closely around them.

• Please tuck me in.
• She tucked her son in and kissed him goodnight.
• Who will tuck the children in tonight?

How to use it: tuck someone in (Dad tucked the children in after their story.)

Similar words: put to bed

Common phrases: tuck someone in, tuck in someone

To put something neatly into a small space.

• Tuck the box in that corner.
• She tucked a spare towel in beside the books.
• Can you tuck this bag in behind the seat?

How to use it: tuck something in somewhere (Tuck the bag in that corner.); tuck something into something (She tucked the note into a small pocket.)

Similar words: fit in, slip in

Common phrases: tuck in something, tuck something in

To eat with pleasure, often eating a lot.

• The food is ready, so tuck in!
• We tucked in as soon as dinner arrived.
• Everyone was tucking in happily after the long walk.

Similar words: dig in, eat heartily

Common phrases: tuck in eagerly, tuck in together

To get into bed and pull the covers closely around yourself.

• I tucked in under a warm blanket.
• We tucked in early because the room was cold.
• She tucked in and fell asleep at once.

Similar words: get into bed, turn in

Common phrases: tuck in early, tuck in comfortably

To get something very small.

• She managed to tuck in one tiny item.
• He tucked in a little extra piece for his collection.
• Can we tuck in something small as well?

Similar words: acquire, obtain, get

Common phrases: tuck in something, tuck in something tiny