Phrasal verb
salt away
Definition
phrasal verb. to save money over a long time so you can use it later. You usually do this bit by bit for a future goal.
phrasal verb. To save or store something, typically money, for future use. This transitive verb implies a gradual accumulation or prudent preservation for the long term.
Examples
“He salts away a portion of his paycheck every month.”
“By salting away a small amount each week, she eventually had enough for a down payment on a house.”
“The disgraced executive had salted away millions in offshore accounts before the fraud was finally uncovered by the auditors.”
Examples
simple
“He salts away a portion of his paycheck every month.”
contextual
“By salting away a small amount each week, she eventually had enough for a down payment on a house.”
complex
“The disgraced executive had salted away millions in offshore accounts before the fraud was finally uncovered by the auditors.”
Usage
Commonly used with money, savings, or profits as the object.
Teaching tip
Connect the phrase to the historical value of salt as a preservative to anchor the meaning of keeping something for future use.
Phrasal verb
Particles
away
Separability
optional
Pattern
salt + away + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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