tuck around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "tuck around" is not a standard expression in written English and may not be widely recognized.
It could potentially be used in informal contexts, but its meaning may not be clear without additional context. Example: "After the picnic, we decided to tuck around the park for a bit before heading home."

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

I am focusing on tiny crocuses, snowdrops and muscari this year, to tuck around the stones of the labyrinth that is the centerpiece of my walled barnyard garden.

The New York Times

The New Yorker, November 30 , 1929P. 17 In the French Building Barber Shop, the bibs they tuck around your neck are embroidered in red with lettering reversed.

The New Yorker

An intriguing gift idea for the person with everything: the Squatty Potty, a footstool designed to tuck around the toilet and redress the posture most of us assume while going to the loo, and much promoted this month in New York stores.

The Guardian - Opinion

So if the butt can fit 500 mL, it means you can tuck around 500,000 cubic millimetres in there.

Vice

With my head hanging off the cliffs of Inishmore Island, I looked into the roaring Atlantic a hundred feet below and marveled to look straight across the Atlantic where thousands of miles away Canadian mountains rise out of the water, the same mountains that flow south and rise above and tuck around my home and school in Appalachia.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The museum's narrow main gallery is tucked around a stairwell.

The New York Times - Arts

Alice's little sisters are sleeping on their sides, the covers tucked around their shoulders.

The New Yorker

A little black dress for $139 has pleats tucked around the waist.

The New York Times

The 29 rooms are tucked around a glass-roofed patio, and have period furnishings and rustic wood-beam ceilings.

The New York Times - Travel

Mr. Lin was known by a nickname, Ding Pa, and owned gambling parlors tucked around Chinatown, prosecutors said.

The New York Times

He dances -- and climbs those stairs -- on his hands, his legs tucked around his body as he goes.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tuck around", ensure the context clearly indicates the action of neatly fitting or concealing something within a defined space. Consider if alternatives like "nestle around" or "fit around" might be more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "tuck around" when the intended meaning is simply "place near" or "surround". "Tuck" implies a deliberate act of fitting something snugly, so ensure this action is relevant to your context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tuck around" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, where "tuck" is the verb and "around" is the particle. It is used to describe the action of fitting something neatly or concealing it by positioning it carefully in a specific area. As noted by Ludwig, this phrase may not be widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "tuck around" describes the action of neatly fitting or concealing something by positioning it carefully within a specific area. Ludwig AI indicates that while the phrase is used, it may not be widely recognized. Its grammatical status is acceptable, though the frequency is rare, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. When using "tuck around", be mindful of the spatial relationship you intend to convey, and consider alternatives if a more precise or common phrase exists. Examples include "nestle around" or "arrange around" depending on the context. Ensure that the act of fitting something snugly is relevant to your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nestle around

Implies a cozy or sheltered placement, differing in the degree of comfort suggested.

snuggle around

Suggests a close and affectionate positioning, with a focus on warmth and comfort.

arrange around

Focuses on the act of organizing or positioning items around a central point.

position around

Emphasizes the deliberate placement of something around a specific area.

place around

A general term for putting something in a specific location relative to something else.

fit around

Highlights the adaptation or adjustment needed to place something within a confined space.

wind around

Implies a twisting or circular motion when placing something.

coil around

Similar to "wind around", suggesting a spiral or circular arrangement.

wrap around

Suggests completely enclosing something within another object.

gather around

Focuses on bringing things or people together in a circular or surrounding manner.

FAQs

How can I use "tuck around" in a sentence?

The phrase "tuck around" can be used to describe fitting something snugly or concealing it within a defined space. For example, "I am focusing on tiny crocuses, snowdrops and muscari this year, to "tuck around" the stones of the labyrinth".

What does "tuck around" mean?

The phrase "tuck around" typically means to neatly fit or conceal something by positioning it carefully in or around a specific area or object. Consider if alternatives like "nestle around" or "fit around" might be more suitable.

Which is a better alternative: "tuck around" or "tuck in"?

"Tuck in" generally means to secure the edges of something, like a blanket, while "tuck around" means to position or conceal something by fitting it snugly. The better option depends on the intended meaning. For example: you would "tuck in" a shirt, and "tuck around" flowers.

What can I say instead of "tuck around"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "nestle around", "fit around", or "arrange around".