Put by Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To save or keep something, usually money or resources, for future use.
Usage & Nuances
This is a slightly old-fashioned and informal phrase, mostly used in British English. Commonly used as 'put money by for a rainy day'. Don't confuse with 'put aside' (very similar, but more broadly used for all types of things). Rarely used for objects other than money unless context is clear.
Spanish: ahorrar - reservarPortuguese (BR): guardar - economizarPortuguese (PT): guardar - pouparChinese (Simplified): 存起来 - 储蓄Chinese (Traditional): 存起來 - 儲蓄Hindi: बचत करना - संभाल कर रखनाArabic: ادخار - توفيرBengali: সংরক্ষণ করা - জমিয়ে রাখাRussian: откладывать - сберегатьJapanese: 取っておく - 蓄えるVietnamese: để dành - tiết kiệmKorean: 저축하다 - 따로 모아두다Turkish: biriktirmek - kenara koymakUrdu: جمع کرنا - بچا کر رکھناIndonesian: menyisihkan - menyimpan
Example Sentences
Do you ever put by cash just in case?
natural
My grandparents used to put by coins in a jar when they were young.
natural
I try to put by a little money each month.
basic
We should put by some food for the winter.
basic
She has put by enough to buy a new car.
basic
It’s smart to put by something for a rainy day.
natural