📒 to attach or hold two or more things together using string, rope, etc.; to fasten somebody/something with string, rope, etc.
- tie something + adv./prep. She tied the newspapers in a bundle.
- He had to tie her hands together.
- They tied him to a chair with cable.
📒 to fasten something to or around something else
- She tied a label on to the suitcase.
- Anything which might be blown over was tied down or moved inside.
- Did you tie the balloons on tightly?
📒 to make a knot in a piece of string, rope, etc.
- to tie a ribbon
- Can you help me tie my tie?
- Tie the cords neatly.
📒 to be closed or fastened with a knot, etc.
- The skirt ties at the waist.
📒 to connect or link somebody/something closely with somebody/something else
- be tied (to something/somebody) Pay increases are tied to inflation.
- Their company's future is closely tied to our own.
- The house is tied to the job, so we'll have to move when I retire.
📒 to limit somebody's freedom to act and make them unable to do everything they want to
- be tied (by something) to be tied by a contract
- be tied to something I want to work but I'm tied to the house with the baby.
- Carers can be completely tied to their homes.
📒 to have the same number of points
- tie (with somebody) England tied 2–2 with Germany in the first round.
- tie for something They tied for second place.
- tie something The scores are tied at 3–3.
📒 to join notes with a tie
📒 (too much under) the influence and control of somebody
- The British prime minister is too apt to cling to Washington's apron strings.
📒 to tie somebody’s hands and feet together so that they cannot move or escape
📒 to prevent somebody from doing what they want by creating rules, limits, etc.
📒 to be unable to do what you want to do because of rules, promises, etc.
- I really wish I could help but my hands are tied.
📒 to become or make somebody very confused
- I got myself tied up in knots when I tried to explain the legal system to them.
📒 to get married
📒 to get very drunk