The phrasal verb "hide away" is predominantly used in informal contexts and refers to the act of concealing oneself or something in a secluded place where it is not easily found. It can imply a sense of retreat or seclusion, often suggesting an intentional withdrawal from public life or social interaction. Commonly, it is used in everyday speech to describe someone who seeks privacy or when someone stores things securely out of sight. For instance, one might say "He decided to hide away in the cabin for the weekend," indicating a desire for solitude. This phrasal verb is less likely to be found in formal writing or speech, where more precise terms such as "conceal" or "withdraw" might be preferred. It is frequently seen in narratives, both literary and conversational, conveying a mood or action of retreating or avoiding exposure.
B1
Intermediate
1. To put oneself or someone else in a place where they cannot be seen or found.
She decided to hide away in the cabin until the storm passed.
They hid away in the basement to avoid the chaos upstairs.
2. To store something in a place where it cannot easily be found or accessed by others.
He hid away his savings in a secret compartment in the attic.
She hid away the chocolate so the children wouldn't find it.