Tuck Meaning
Tuck Definition & Usage
To fold or push something (such as clothing, fabric, or sheets) neatly into a hidden or tucked-in position.
Examples
- "She carefully tucked the shirt into her jeans before heading out."
- "He tucked the corners of the blanket in to make the bed look neater."
- "After the meeting, he tucked the papers into his briefcase."
- "The children tucked themselves into bed, ready for sleep."
- "The waiter tucked the napkin into the collar of the customer’s shirt."
To hide or conceal something by placing it in a secure or secretive manner.
Examples
- "She tucked the letter into her purse before anyone could see."
- "He quickly tucked the last piece of candy into his pocket."
- "I tucked my phone under my jacket so no one would notice it."
- "The thief tucked the wallet into his coat pocket and walked away."
- "Tuck those documents away in a drawer where no one can find them."
To place or fit something snugly into a tight space.
Examples
- "She tucked her keys into her bag before leaving the house."
- "He tucked his phone into his back pocket."
- "The hikers tucked their backpacks under the bench to make room for others."
- "I tucked my shoes under the desk to keep them out of the way."
- "The cat tucked herself into the cozy corner by the window."
Cultural Context
The verb 'tuck' has historical roots in both domestic and protective contexts, often associated with making spaces neat and secure, or with creating comfort in a personal or familial setting. The act of 'tucking in' a child, for example, can evoke feelings of care and tenderness.
The Hidden Letter
Story
The Hidden Letter
Maggie had always been careful with her secrets. As she sat at the kitchen table, her fingers brushed against the corner of the envelope she had received earlier that morning. She had promised herself not to tell anyone, not yet. The words in the letter were important—too important to share before she had a plan. Her mother walked in, and Maggie quickly tucked the letter into the back pocket of her jeans, hoping her mother wouldn’t notice. 'Are you alright?' her mother asked, noticing the tension in Maggie’s shoulders. 'Yes, just a bit tired,' Maggie replied with a forced smile. As the day went on, Maggie found herself tucking the letter away in more places: first inside her bag, then under a pile of books on her desk, and later even under her mattress. Every time someone came into her room, she was quick to make sure it was securely hidden. It wasn’t until later that night, as she was tucking herself into bed, that Maggie realized how much she had been overthinking it. The letter was safe, but in the process, she’d created a mess of places to keep it hidden. She pulled the blanket up tightly around her neck, comforted by its familiar weight. After a long day, Maggie finally felt she could rest easy—at least for tonight.
