Definition of tie up phrasal verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary


tie up

 phrasal verb
phrasal verb
jump to other results
Phrasal Verbs

    tie up


    tie somethingup

    jump to other results
  1. 1  to attach a boat to a fixed object with a rope We tied up alongside the quay. We tied the boat up.
  2. 2  to close something with a knot; to be closed or fastened with a knot to tie up a garbage bag
  1. 1  to tie somebody’s arms and legs tightly so that they cannot move or escape The gang tied up a security guard.
  2. 2[usually passive] to keep somebody busy so that they have no time for other things I'm tied up in a meeting until 3.
  1. 1  to attach an animal to something with a rope, chain, etc. He left his dog tied up to a tree.
  2. 2[usually passive] to connect or link something to something else Her behaviour is tied up with her feelings of guilt. related noun tie-up
  3. 3[often passive] to invest money so that it is not easily available for use Most of the capital is tied up in property.
  4. 4to deal with all the remaining details of something We are hoping to tie up the deal by tomorrow. I went into the office for an hour to tie up any loose ends (= finish remaining small jobs).
See the Oxford Advanced American Dictionary entry: tie up