General
squared away
What does squared away mean?
Cleaned up, organized, and in proper military shape; by extension, a competent and reliable person.
"Her gear is always squared away before anyone else even starts."
Origin
US military; a nautical term for setting a ship's yards square to the mast, meaning shipshape.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'squared away' mean?
It means neat, organized, and in proper order — ready for inspection. Applied to a person, it means competent and reliable.
Where does 'squared away' come from?
It's a nautical term, adopted by the wider military, for setting a ship's yards square to the mast — i.e. shipshape and properly arranged.
How do you use 'squared away'?
Use it of gear, a space, or a person that's in good order, e.g. 'Get your kit squared away before the inspection,' or 'She's a squared-away troop.'
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Vocabulary Flow — saved to your collection.
