v. 1. To give as a present. Mrs. Jones has several kittens to give away. 2. To hand over (a bride) to her husband at the wedding. Mr. Jackson gave away his daughter. 3. To let (a secret) become known; tell the secret of. The little boy gave away his hiding place when he coughed. Mary said she didn't care anything about John, but her blushing face gave her away.
Compare: SPILL THE BEANS, LET THE CAT OUT OF THE BAG. 4. See: GIVE ONESELF AWAY.