Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

squirrel away

phrasal verb

/ˈskwɜːrəl əˈweɪ/

Definition

To store something for future use, especially money or resources, often out of sight.

Examples

She decided to squirrel away a portion of her paycheck each month for her vacation fund.
Many people squirrel away food supplies during an emergency.
He squirreled away his old toys for future generations.

Meaning

The phrase ‘squirrel away’ refers to the action of saving or hiding something, particularly financial resources, for later use. It evokes the image of squirrels that hoard food for the winter months.