fold
To bend something, like paper or clothes, so that one part covers another part and it becomes smaller or tidy.
To bend something such as paper, cloth, or a piece of furniture so that one part lies over another, often to make it smaller or neater.
If a business or project folds, it stops doing business, usually because it has problems or no money.
Of a business, project, or organization: to close or stop operating, especially because of financial or other problems.
In poker or other card games, to fold means to stop playing that round and put your cards down, so you cannot win that round.
In card games such as poker: to stop playing a particular hand by putting your cards down and giving up any chance to win that round.
In cooking, to fold means to mix something in very gently by lifting and turning it, not beating or stirring fast.
In cooking: to gently mix one ingredient, especially something light like egg whites or whipped cream, into another by lifting and turning the mixture with a spoon or spatula.
To move a part of your body, like your arms or legs, so it is bent and close to you.
To bend a part of your body, especially your arms or legs, so that it lies across or close to the body.
To add something into something bigger, like putting one plan or group inside another plan or group.
To include or add something, such as an idea, feature, or group, into a larger plan, organization, or structure so that it becomes part of it.
A line or raised part in paper, cloth, skin, or land where it is bent and not flat.
A line, ridge, or curved shape in something such as paper, cloth, skin, or land where it has been bent or is not flat.
A group that someone belongs to, such as a family, church, or organization, often used when someone returns to that group.
A group of people who share the same organization, belief, or community, especially used about welcoming someone back after they have been away.
A small closed place outside where sheep stay.
An outdoor enclosure or pen where sheep are kept, especially at night or in bad weather.
Used with a number to mean "that many times bigger" or "that many times more."
Used after a number to show how many times something is as great in size, amount, or degree as something else.
- Base: fold
- Plural: fold, folds
- Base: fold
- 3rd Person Singular: folds
- Present Participle: folding
- Past: folded
back into the fold
1be inside the group again
To be part of a group, family, or organization again after being away or excluded.
- The coach worked hard to bring the star player back into the fold.
- After talks, the region was peacefully brought back into the fold.
- Former customers are slowly coming back into the fold.
fold away
1fold and store something
To fold something and then put it in a place where it is stored and not seen.
- They folded away the table after dinner.
- This bed folds away into the wall.
- When you are finished, fold away the chairs.
fold back
1bend something backward on itself
To bend a part of something, like paper or cloth, back the other way so it lies on top of itself.
- Fold back the corner of the page to mark your place.
- He folded back the rug to check the floor underneath.
- Fold back the top of the packet before you put it away.
fold in
1gently mix an ingredient in
To carefully mix an ingredient into another one in cooking by slowly lifting and turning it, not stirring fast.
- Fold in the chopped nuts right at the end.
- Once the sauce is smooth, fold in the cheese.
- She showed him how to fold in the whipped cream.
fold into
1include as part of something bigger
To add something, like an idea or plan, into something bigger so it becomes a part of it.
- We can fold your comments into the final report.
- The new policy will be folded into the existing framework.
- The feedback was folded into the next version of the app.
fold like a cheap suit
1give up or change easily
To give up or change your opinion very quickly and easily when there is a problem or pressure.
- He talks tough, but he folds like a cheap suit in negotiations.
- The team folded like a cheap suit after the first goal.
- Under questioning, the witness folded like a cheap suit.
fold someone in
1include a person in something
To make a person part of a group, meeting, or plan, especially by sharing information with them.
- Let’s fold her in on this project from the start.
- We should fold the new manager in on the discussion.
- They quickly folded the interns in on the planning process.
fold under pressure
1give up because of pressure
To stop fighting or saying no when there is a lot of pressure, even if you did not want to give up.
- The team refused to fold under pressure and finally won.
- He folded under pressure from the media and resigned.
- They did not fold under pressure from their competitors.
fold up
1fold something into a smaller shape
To make something smaller by folding it, often so you can carry or store it easily.
- Please fold up the blanket before you put it away.
- He folded up the stroller and put it in the trunk.
- She folded up the map and handed it back to me.
fold your arms
1bend arms across your chest
To put your arms across the front of your body so that they are bent and often touch each other.
- She folded her arms and waited in silence.
- He folded his arms across his chest and frowned.
- The teacher told him not to fold his arms during the presentation.
keep someone in the fold
1stop someone leaving a group
To make someone stay in a group, family, or organization instead of leaving it.
- The company is offering bonuses to keep staff in the fold.
- They are trying to keep younger members in the fold.
- Good communication helps keep customers in the fold.
return to the fold
1come back to a group you left
To join a group, family, church, or organization again after you left it for some time.
- After many years abroad, she finally returned to the fold.
- The party hopes that young voters will return to the fold.
- He left the company but later returned to the fold as a consultant.