tie someone or something up Definition

tie
verb tied, tying

1. To fasten with a string, ribbon or rope, etc.

Thesaurus: join, fasten, bind, attach.
2. To make (string, ribbon, etc) into a bow or knot, or to make a bow or knot in something.

Thesaurus: knot, do up (slang).
intr
3. To be fastened with a knot, string or ribbon, etc.

Example: a dress that ties at the back
intr
4. To have the same score or final position as another (competitor or entrant) in a game or contest, etc.

Thesaurus: equal, be on a par with, match, keep up with, parallel, break even, draw, come to a deadlock.
Form: tie with someone (usually)
5. To limit or restrict the way they lead their life.

Form: tie someone down (often)
6a. music.
To mark (notes of the same pitch) with a curved line showing that they are to be played as a continuous sound rather than individually;
6b. music.
To play (notes of the same pitch) in this way.

noun

1. A narrow strip of material worn, especially by men, round the neck under a shirt collar and tied in a knot or bow at the front.

Thesaurus: necktie, cravat, bow tie, neckerchief, bow, scarf.
2. A strip of ribbon, rope, cord or chain, etc for binding and fastening.

Thesaurus: fastening, band, strap, bond, brace, yoke.
3. Something that limits or restricts one's freedom.
4. A link or bond.

Example: ties of friendship
5a. A match or competition, etc in which the result is an equal score for both sides;

Thesaurus: deadlock, stalemate, draw, even game, dead heat, neck-and-neck contest.
5b. The score or result achieved.
(Brit)
6. A game or match to be played, especially in a knockout competition.

Example: The third round ties were all postponed
7. A rod or beam holding parts of a structure together.
8. music.
A curved line above two or more notes of the same pitch showing that they are to be played as a continuous sound rather than individually.
(N Amer)
9. A railway sleeper.

Idiom: tie someone in knots (tie the knot)

See under knot1.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon tiegan.

Phrasal Verb: tie someone down

To bind them to a decision or commitment.

Phrasal Verb: tie in or up with something

To be in or be brought into connection with it; to correspond or be made to correspond with it. See also tie-in.

Phrasal Verb: tie up

To moor or dock.

Phrasal Verb: tie someone or something up

To bind them securely.To keep them busy.To block or restrict their progress, movement or operation.

Phrasal Verb: tie something up

To attach and fasten it securely with string, especially to make it into a parcel with string.To invest money or funds, etc so that it cannot be used for other purposes.

Phrasal Verb: tie up with something

See tie in with something above.