Pronunciation: [tˈʌk ˈɪn] (IPA) 
The phrase "tuck in" is commonly used to refer to the act of tucking something or someone in, such as a child in bed or a shirt into pants. In terms of spelling, "tuck" is pronounced /tʌk/ with a short "u" sound and a hard "k" at the end. "In" is pronounced /ɪn/ with a short "i" sound and a soft "n" at the end. When combined, the phrase is spelled "tuck in" and is pronounced /tʌk ɪn/.
Tuck in is a phrasal verb used in English language that carries different meanings based on the context in which it is used.
1. To tuck in refers to the action of neatly securing or arranging bed linens, such as blankets or sheets, around a person or oneself before sleeping. It involves tucking the edges of the bedding tightly and smoothly underneath the mattress or around the body to ensure that they remain in place and provide warmth and comfort throughout the night.
2. Tuck in can also be used to describe the act of eating a meal with enthusiasm or appetite. In this sense, it implies the action of putting food into one's mouth with gusto and relish. It can be used informally to express the act of enjoying a satisfying and nutritious meal, often used in conversations or invitations to encourage someone to eat heartily.
3. Additionally, tuck in could be used to describe securing or stowing away loose items or tidying belongings neatly and compactly. It suggests the action of organizing or arranging objects in a neat and orderly way, such as tucking in loose papers into a folder or folding clothes and placing them tidily in a drawer.
In summary, the phrase "tuck in" has multiple meanings depending on the context, including arranging bed linens securely, eating with enthusiasm, and organizing items neatly.
The term "tuck in" has a literal meaning of securely putting something in between or inside another object, often involving folding or fastening. Its etymology can be traced back to Middle English.
The word "tuck" has Old English origins, derived from the Old English word "tūcian", meaning "to pull, draw, or contract". Over time, "tūcian" developed into the Middle English verb "tucken", which meant "to draw together, fold, or contract". This sense of "folding or drawing together" is still evident in phrases such as "tuck your shirt into your pants" or "tuck in the bedsheet".
The addition of the preposition "in" in the expression "tuck in" emphasizes the action of enclosing or securing something within a particular area.
