tuck up

To make someone comfortable in bed by pulling the covers over them.

• Please tuck the baby up.
• She tucked him up with an extra blanket.
• Have you tucked the children up yet?

How to use it: tuck someone up (Dad tucked the children up before leaving.)

Similar words: tuck in, put to bed

Common phrases: tuck up someone, tuck up a child

To pull the covers over yourself so you feel warm and comfortable in bed.

• I tucked up under a warm blanket.
• She likes to tuck up early on cold nights.
• We tucked up in bed and listened to the rain.

How to use it: tuck up in bed (I tucked up in bed with a book.)

Similar words: snuggle down, curl up

Common phrases: tuck up warmly, tuck up in bed

To fold the bottom of a piece of clothing inside itself or under another piece of clothing.

• She tucked up her long skirt.
• Tuck your dress up before crossing the stream.
• He had tucked his trouser legs up above his boots.

How to use it: tuck something up (She tucked her skirt up to keep it dry.)

Similar words: fold up

Common phrases: tuck up something, tuck up a skirt

To trick someone, often so that they lose money.

• The dealer tucked him up.
• Customers were tucked up with fake repair bills.
• Do not let that seller tuck you up again.

How to use it: tuck someone up (That dishonest seller tucked us up.)

Similar words: cheat, swindle, rip off

Common phrases: tuck up someone, tuck up customers

To hold your boxing gloves close to your face to protect it from punches.

• Tuck up when he starts punching.
• The boxer tucked up to protect his face.
• She kept tucking up whenever her opponent moved closer.

Similar words: cover up, raise your guard

Common phrases: tuck up tightly, tuck up defensively

To lie on your back and bring your legs and upper body together as an exercise.

• Lie on your back and tuck up.
• She tucked up ten times on the exercise mat.
• Can you tuck up without pulling on your neck?

Common phrases: tuck up slowly, tuck up repeatedly