Put by Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Financial Planning Use 'put by' to talk about regularly saving money for future needs or emergencies. Every month I put by some money for unexpected expenses. Pro Tip 2/3Not Instant 'Put by' implies a gradual process, not saving something all at once. She's been putting by a little every week for years. Pro Tip 3/3Long-term Goals 'Put by' is often used with long-term goals, like education or retirement. He's putting by money for his children's college fund.