shut away
يحبس
직역: To close (shut) in a direction far from others (away)
Use 'shut away' when describing intentional isolation or hiding something to keep it private or safe.
15초 만에
- To hide something or someone in a private, isolated place.
- Used for physical objects, people, or even suppressed emotions.
- Implies a deliberate choice to separate from the outside world.
뜻
To 'shut away' means to hide someone or something in a private place, usually to keep them isolated or safe from the outside world.
주요 예문
3 / 6Describing a busy work week
I had to shut myself away for three days to finish the report.
I had to isolate myself for three days to finish the report.
Talking about old memories
She shut away all the old photos in a box under the bed.
She hid all the old photos in a box under the bed.
Texting a friend about a weekend plan
I'm just going to shut myself away this weekend and binge-watch Netflix.
I'm going to stay inside and hide from the world to watch shows.
문화적 배경
The phrase reflects a Western value on privacy and the 'sanctuary' of the home. Historically, it was used more literally for people kept out of sight, but today it mostly describes voluntary isolation for work or mental health.
The 'Self' Rule
When using this for people, we almost always use reflexive pronouns like `myself`, `himself`, or `herself` to show it's a choice.
Don't confuse with 'Shut Up'
If you tell someone to `shut away`, they will be confused. If you tell them to `shut up`, they will be angry! `Shut away` is about space, not noise.
15초 만에
- To hide something or someone in a private, isolated place.
- Used for physical objects, people, or even suppressed emotions.
- Implies a deliberate choice to separate from the outside world.
What It Means
Shut away describes the act of putting something or someone in a restricted space. It implies a sense of separation or isolation. You might shut yourself away to study. Or you might shut away your old toys in the attic. It feels more permanent and deliberate than just 'putting something away.' It’s about creating a barrier between that thing and the rest of the world.
How To Use It
You can use this phrase for physical objects or people. It is a phrasal verb, so you can say shut away the documents or shut the documents away. If you are talking about yourself, use shut myself away. It often follows the pattern: [Subject] + [shut] + [Object] + [away]. Just remember, it sounds a bit more dramatic than simply 'closing' a door. Use it when you want to emphasize the isolation.
When To Use It
Use it when you need deep focus, like shutting yourself away to finish a project. It is great for describing privacy or hiding secrets. Think about a rainy Sunday where you shut yourself away with a good book. It also works for emotions. Sometimes people shut away their feelings instead of talking about them. It’s perfect for storytelling or describing a moody teenager in their bedroom.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it for brief actions. You don't shut away your car in the garage for five minutes. That’s just 'parking.' Avoid using it for social invitations. Telling a friend to shut themselves away sounds like you want them to disappear! Also, don't confuse it with 'shut up.' One is about isolation; the other is about stopping noise. Using the wrong one might end a friendship quickly!
Cultural Background
In Western culture, shutting away often relates to the 'tortured artist' trope. We imagine writers or painters locked in rooms to create masterpieces. There is also a historical side. In the past, families often shut away things they were ashamed of. Today, it’s more about 'digital detoxing.' People shut away their phones to find peace. It reflects our modern obsession with finding privacy in a noisy world.
Common Variations
You might hear lock away which sounds more secure and permanent. There is also tuck away, which feels cozy and hidden, like a small cafe. Hide away is very similar but focuses more on the secrecy. If someone is forced to stay inside, we might say they are cooped up. Shut away sits right in the middle—it’s purposeful and a bit serious.
사용 참고사항
The phrase is neutral and works in most settings. Be careful with the word order; both 'shut away the money' and 'shut the money away' are correct, but 'shut it away' is required when using pronouns.
The 'Self' Rule
When using this for people, we almost always use reflexive pronouns like `myself`, `himself`, or `herself` to show it's a choice.
Don't confuse with 'Shut Up'
If you tell someone to `shut away`, they will be confused. If you tell them to `shut up`, they will be angry! `Shut away` is about space, not noise.
The 'Hermit' Vibe
In English-speaking cultures, saying you 'shut yourself away' for a weekend is often seen as a positive form of self-care or 'recharging'.
예시
6I had to shut myself away for three days to finish the report.
I had to isolate myself for three days to finish the report.
Refers to voluntary isolation for productivity.
She shut away all the old photos in a box under the bed.
She hid all the old photos in a box under the bed.
Describes hiding physical objects to avoid seeing them.
I'm just going to shut myself away this weekend and binge-watch Netflix.
I'm going to stay inside and hide from the world to watch shows.
Casual use for relaxation and privacy.
Dave has shut himself away again; I think he's turning into a hermit.
Dave has isolated himself again; I think he's becoming a hermit.
Uses hyperbole for a funny effect.
The eccentric billionaire was shut away in his mansion for decades.
The eccentric billionaire was kept isolated in his mansion for decades.
Formal description of long-term isolation.
You can't just shut your problems away and hope they disappear.
You can't just hide your problems and hope they disappear.
Metaphorical use for ignoring emotions or issues.
셀프 테스트
Choose the correct form to describe someone working hard in private.
He ___ himself away in the library to study for finals.
'Shut away' is the specific collocation used for intentional isolation.
Complete the sentence regarding hiding an object.
I decided to shut the evidence ___ where no one could find it.
'Away' indicates the direction of hiding or removal from public view.
🎉 점수: /2
시각 학습 자료
Formality of 'Shut Away'
Texting friends about staying home.
Shutting myself away tonight!
General conversation or storytelling.
He shut the files away in the cabinet.
Literature or news reporting.
The prisoner was shut away from society.
When to use 'Shut Away'
Focusing on work
Shutting yourself away in an office.
Storing valuables
Shutting away jewelry in a safe.
Avoiding people
Shutting yourself away after a breakup.
Hiding secrets
Shutting away a diary.
자주 묻는 질문
10 질문It means to place something or someone in a private or hidden location to keep them separate from others. For example, I shut the documents away in the safe.
Yes, it's very common to say someone has shut away their emotions. It means they are hiding how they feel.
Yes, shut away implies there is a door, a box, or a physical barrier involved. Hide is more general.
Not usually. It is a neutral term. However, saying someone was shut away against their will can sound quite serious or sad.
Absolutely! You can shut yourself away to enjoy a peaceful hobby or focus on a passion project.
Lock away implies using a key and more security. Shut away is more about the act of closing the door or lid.
Yes, it's fine. You might say, I need to shut myself away to finish this presentation.
No, you shut the door to shut away the things inside. The object is the thing being hidden.
The past tense is also shut away. For example, Yesterday, he shut himself away.
Not quite. Put away is for cleaning up (like laundry). Shut away is for hiding or isolating.
관련 표현
Lock away (to secure something behind a lock)
Hide away (to go somewhere where no one can find you)
Tuck away (to put something in a small, safe, or cozy place)
Seclude oneself (a more formal way to say shut yourself away)
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