Getting Things in Order: What Does "Square Away" Mean?
Have you ever looked at a messy desk, a disorganized project, or a confusing plan and felt the need to fix it? In English, when you decide to organize, resolve, or complete a task to make everything correct, you are ready to square away those loose ends. This phrasal verb is a versatile expression used in both professional settings and daily life to describe the act of bringing order to chaos.
Understanding the Meaning and Origins
The term square away finds its historical roots in maritime language. On a sailing ship, "squaring the yards" meant setting the sails at a right angle to the ship's length to catch the wind perfectly. Over time, the phrase transitioned from a nautical instruction into a general idiom used to describe putting things in their proper place, finishing a job, or ensuring that all requirements are met.
At its core, to square away means to:
- Organize or tidy up a physical space.
- Complete tasks or resolve outstanding issues.
- Prepare for a future event by making necessary arrangements.
- Adjust one's behavior or attitude to be professional and disciplined.
Usage and Grammar Patterns
The verb square away is a separable phrasal verb. This means you can place an object either after the entire phrase or between the two words. Both forms are grammatically correct and natural in conversation.
Common patterns include:
- Square something away: "I need to square this paperwork away before I leave for the day."
- Square away something: "Let’s square away the final details of our travel itinerary."
You might hear this phrase used in the following contexts:
- At work: "Once we square away the budget for the new project, we can begin hiring."
- In personal life: "I’m spending the weekend cleaning the garage to finally square away all my tools."
- In military or formal settings: "The sergeant told the new recruits to square away their uniforms before inspection."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Even advanced learners sometimes stumble over the usage of this idiom. Here are two points to keep in mind:
Don’t confuse it with "square up": While square away implies organizing or finishing, "square up" often refers to settling a debt (like paying a bill) or getting into a defensive physical position. While they are related, they are not always interchangeable.
Avoid using it for literal geometry: While the word "square" is a shape, you should not use square away to describe the action of drawing a geometric square. Use it strictly when you are talking about organization, preparation, or completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is "square away" formal or informal?
It is generally considered semi-formal. You can use it in a business email or a meeting, and it is also perfectly appropriate in casual conversation with friends or family.
Can I use "square away" to talk about my emotions?
Not typically. While you can square away your thoughts or a complex situation, we usually don't use it to describe personal feelings like sadness or joy. You would more likely use "process" or "sort out" for emotions.
Is "square away" used more in American or British English?
It is far more common in American English, particularly in professional and military contexts. While British speakers will understand the phrase, they might prefer using "sort out" or "tidy up" in everyday speech.
Does it always imply finishing something?
Yes, it usually implies that the task is moving toward a state of completion or total organization. It suggests that once something is squared away, it no longer needs further attention.
Conclusion
Mastering the phrase square away allows you to sound more decisive and organized when speaking English. Whether you are finalizing a project at the office or simply tidying up your home, using this term demonstrates a clear sense of purpose and order. Now that you know how to use it, you can square away any lingering confusion about this useful phrasal verb and incorporate it into your daily vocabulary.