phrasal verb🧩 phrasal verb

give away

to donate for free

What it means

To donate or hand something over for free, usually because you no longer need it. It can also mean to reveal a secret or accidentally show information.

Examples

  • She gave away most of her books before moving abroad.
  • The bakery gives away leftover bread at the end of each day.
  • Don't give away the ending; I haven't seen the film yet.
  • His shaky voice gave away how nervous he really felt.

Where it comes from

Separable. The 'reveal' meaning is older and connects to 'giveaway' as a noun meaning an obvious clue.

Related phrasal verbs

#give back#give in#hand out#throw away

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