give away
يتخلى عن
Literally: to hand over/transfer away from yourself
Use it when something is free or when a secret is accidentally revealed.
In 15 Seconds
- Handing something over for free without expecting anything back.
- Accidentally revealing a secret, surprise, or hidden emotion.
- Can be used for physical objects or abstract information.
Meaning
To give something to someone for free because you don't need it anymore, or to accidentally reveal a secret or a surprise.
Key Examples
3 of 6Decluttering the house
I have too many books, so I'm going to give away some to the library.
I am going to donate some books to the library for free.
Watching a movie with a friend
Don't give away the ending! I haven't seen it yet.
Don't tell me the ending of the movie.
A business promotion
The company is giving away a free iPad to the 100th customer.
The company is providing a free iPad as a prize.
Cultural Background
The phrase is deeply rooted in the concept of charity and communal sharing. In the 20th century, it became synonymous with 'radio giveaways' where prizes were distributed to listeners. Today, it is the cornerstone of social media marketing through 'brand giveaways'.
The Pronoun Rule
Always put 'it' or 'them' in the middle. Say 'give it away,' never 'give away it.' It sounds much more natural to native speakers.
Don't confuse with 'Give Out'
'Give out' means to distribute to a group (like flyers), while 'give away' means to part with something permanently for free.
In 15 Seconds
- Handing something over for free without expecting anything back.
- Accidentally revealing a secret, surprise, or hidden emotion.
- Can be used for physical objects or abstract information.
What It Means
Give away is a versatile phrase with two main faces. First, it means handing something over for free. Think of cleaning your closet and donating old shirts. Second, it means revealing a secret by mistake. It is like your face telling a lie your mouth hasn't said yet. It is about letting something go, whether it is a physical object or a hidden thought.
How To Use It
You can use it as a separable phrasal verb. You can give away the secret, or give the secret away. If you use a pronoun like it, you must put it in the middle: give it away. It works for physical gifts, prizes in a contest, or even giving a bride away at a wedding. Use it when the item is leaving your possession forever without any payment involved.
When To Use It
Use it when you are feeling generous. If you have extra tickets to a show, you give them away. Use it when someone ruins a movie spoiler. "Don't give away the ending!" is a classic line. It is perfect for casual chats about decluttering your home. It also fits in marketing when a company offers a freebie to customers.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use give away if you expect to get the item back later. That is just lending. Avoid using it for selling things at a very low price; that is a bargain or selling for a song. Also, do not use it for sharing information on purpose in a professional way. In a meeting, you present or disclose data; you don't usually give it away unless it is a secret.
Cultural Background
In Western cultures, giving away the bride is a traditional wedding moment. The father walks the daughter down the aisle. It symbolizes a transition of care. In modern times, the phrase is huge in internet culture. "Giveaways" are social media contests where influencers give free products to followers. It has become a symbol of the digital attention economy.
Common Variations
A giveaway (one word) is a noun. It refers to the free item itself or a sign that reveals the truth. For example, "His sweaty palms were a dead giveaway that he was nervous." You might also hear give it up, but that usually means quitting a habit or applauding. Stick to give away for charity and secrets.
Usage Notes
The phrase is neutral and safe for almost any situation. Just remember the word order: 'give [object] away' or 'give away [object]', but 'give it away' is mandatory for pronouns.
The Pronoun Rule
Always put 'it' or 'them' in the middle. Say 'give it away,' never 'give away it.' It sounds much more natural to native speakers.
Don't confuse with 'Give Out'
'Give out' means to distribute to a group (like flyers), while 'give away' means to part with something permanently for free.
The 'Dead Giveaway'
If something is a 'dead giveaway,' it means it's an incredibly obvious sign. For example, a wet umbrella is a dead giveaway that it's raining outside.
Examples
6I have too many books, so I'm going to give away some to the library.
I am going to donate some books to the library for free.
Focuses on the act of donating physical items.
Don't give away the ending! I haven't seen it yet.
Don't tell me the ending of the movie.
Used to prevent spoilers.
The company is giving away a free iPad to the 100th customer.
The company is providing a free iPad as a prize.
Professional marketing context.
He tried to look calm, but his shaking hands gave him away.
His shaking hands showed that he was actually nervous/lying.
Refers to an involuntary sign revealing the truth.
Shhh! Don't give it away, Sarah doesn't know we are coming.
Don't reveal the surprise to Sarah.
Informal use regarding a secret.
Who gives this woman to be married to this man?
Who is presenting the bride?
A very specific, traditional formal usage.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct form to complete the sentence about a secret.
I was trying to keep the party a secret, but my little brother ___ it ___.
To 'give away' a secret means to reveal it accidentally.
Select the best option for donating clothes.
These shoes don't fit me anymore, so I'll ___ them ___.
When you provide something for free because you no longer need it, you 'give it away'.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of 'Give Away'
Telling a friend not to spoil a movie.
Don't give it away!
Donating old clothes or household items.
I'm giving away my old sofa.
A father at a traditional wedding.
I give away my daughter.
Common Contexts for 'Give Away'
Charity
Giving old toys to an orphanage.
Secrets
Accidentally telling a surprise.
Marketing
Winning a free phone online.
Body Language
Blushing when you are embarrassed.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questions'Give' is general. 'Give away' emphasizes that you are parting with it for free and usually forever, often to a stranger or charity.
Yes! If you accidentally tell someone a secret, you gave it away. It also applies if your expression reveals your true feelings.
As a verb, it is two words: give away. As a noun (a free prize), it is one word: giveaway.
Yes, if you are talking about a marketing promotion or if someone accidentally revealed a strategy. It is a neutral phrase.
It is a wedding tradition where a parent (usually the father) escorts the bride and symbolically hands her over to the groom.
No, that is a common mistake. With pronouns, you must say give it away or give them away.
Mostly, yes. Donate is more formal and often used for tax purposes or official charities. Give away is what you say to friends.
You can say someone's eyes or smile gave them away, meaning their physical reaction revealed what they were thinking.
It is an idiom meaning a very obvious clue. For example, 'The cake on his face was a dead giveaway that he ate the dessert.'
Not really. If you sell something very cheaply, you might say you are practically giving it away, but it's an exaggeration.
Related Phrases
Let the cat out of the bag
To accidentally reveal a secret.
Hand out
To distribute items to a group of people.
Part with
To give something up, often reluctantly.
Give up
To stop doing something or surrender.
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