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Processed with VS1Learn how “squirrel away” describes saving something for later, and why “squirrelly” can sound playful or judgmental.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptTo “squirrel something away” is to put or save it in a safe place for future use, often discreetly. “Squirrelly” can describe restless behavior, an unusual manner, or something that seems suspicious, but it is informal and the meaning depends on context. “Save,” “set aside,” or “seem suspicious” may be clearer alternatives. This page avoids describing a person as “crazy” based on a playful animal comparison.
Cultural note: “Squirrelly” is informal and may sound regional or judgmental when applied to a person. Prefer describing observable behavior, such as “restless” or “unusually active,” instead of assigning a broad label. “Squirrel away” can be a neutral way to discuss saving, whereas “hoard” often carries a negative tone and may stigmatize people dealing with clutter.
Keep exploringA squirrel stores food for later; people can squirrel away money, notes, or other useful things too.
Phrase guide · 4 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Understand an informal expression for storing something safely for future use.
Meaning
Put or save something somewhere safe so you can use it later.
Tone & use
Informal. It often suggests keeping the item out of sight, not necessarily hiding it from someone.
Example
“She squirreled away a little money each month for a future train trip.”
Meaning
Collect or store a large amount of something, often more than is useful or needed.
Tone & use
Can sound critical and may carry mental-health assumptions. Use it carefully and focus on the storage behavior rather than diagnosing a person.
Example
“Instead of saying the club hoarded supplies, the report noted that boxes had remained unused in storage for several years.”
Compare a playful adjective with clearer everyday alternatives.
Meaning
Restless or unusually active; sometimes behaving in an odd or unpredictable way.
Tone & use
Informal and potentially critical. “Restless” or a description of the specific behavior is often clearer and kinder.
Example
“The students grew restless after sitting through a long assembly.”
Recognize a critical use without treating the expression as proof of dishonesty.
Meaning
Informally, seeming suspicious or not fully trustworthy.
Tone & use
This is a judgment, not evidence. If something seems suspicious, explain which detail needs checking.
Example
“The offer seemed suspicious because it required payment before the company would provide any written terms.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
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