tie up: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  USUKGlobalneutral
  • To fasten, bind, or secure something with a rope, cord, or similar material.

  Examples

  Beta

  • She tied up the parcels with string before sending them to the post office.

    She fastened the parcels with string before sending them to the post office.

  • The workers tied up the boxes securely to prevent damage during transport.

    The workers fastened the boxes securely to prevent damage during transport.

  • I’m going to tie up the cords behind the TV to keep them organized.

    I’m going to fasten the cords behind the TV to keep them organized.

  • Before leaving, he tied up the tent ropes tightly to withstand the wind.

    Before leaving, he fastened the tent ropes tightly to withstand the wind.

• 2.

  USUKGlobalnauticalneutral
  • To secure a boat or vessel to a dock, pier, or another vessel; to moor.

  Examples

  Beta

  • The captain tied up the yacht at the marina after a long day at sea.

    The captain secured the yacht to the dock at the marina after a long day at sea.

  • We tied up the boat to the pier before going ashore for dinner.

    We moored the boat to the pier before going ashore for dinner.

  • They will tie up the fishing vessel alongside the larger ship for unloading.

    They will secure the fishing vessel alongside the larger ship for unloading.

  • Make sure to tie up the dinghy so it doesn’t drift away with the tide.

    Make sure to secure the dinghy so it doesn’t drift away with the tide.

• 3.

  USUKGlobalneutralformal
  • To occupy or render unavailable (resources, funds, or time) by committing them to a particular purpose, thereby preventing their use elsewhere.

  Examples

  Beta

  • I can’t take on any more projects right now; my schedule is tied up completely.

    I can’t take on any more projects right now; my schedule is fully occupied.

  • The funds are tied up in long-term investments and aren’t available for new expenses.

    The funds are committed in long-term investments and aren’t available for new expenses.

  • We were tied up with last-minute preparations and couldn’t meet you for lunch.

    We were occupied with last-minute preparations and couldn’t meet you for lunch.

• 4.

  USUKGlobalinformalcolloquial
  • To form a partnership, alliance, or close association with someone.

  Examples

  Beta

  • After several meetings, the two companies decided to tie up to create a new product line that leverages both their strengths.

    Después de varias reuniones, las dos empresas decidieron asociarse para crear una nueva línea de productos que aproveche las fortalezas de ambas.

  • If we tie up with that local supplier, we could reduce shipping times significantly.

    Si nos asociamos con ese proveedor local, podríamos reducir significativamente los tiempos de envío.

  • The charity managed to tie up with several community groups to expand its outreach program.

    La organización benéfica logró asociarse con varios grupos comunitarios para ampliar su programa de alcance.

• 5.

  USUKGlobalneutralmedical
  • To bind or fasten a dressing around a wound.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Nurse Kelly carefully tied up the wound to stop the bleeding before the ambulance arrived.

    La enfermera Kelly vendó cuidadosamente la herida para detener el sangrado antes de que llegara la ambulancia.

  • After he cut his hand, he had to tie up his finger with a cloth to keep the dressing in place.

    Después de cortarse la mano, tuvo que vendar su dedo con un paño para mantener el vendaje en su lugar.

  • The doctor instructed the patient to tie up the bandage tightly around the injury to prevent swelling.

    El doctor indicó al paciente que atara el vendaje firmemente alrededor de la lesión para evitar la inflamación.

  • Please tie up the gauze securely so it doesn't come loose during the night.

    Por favor, ata la gasa de forma segura para que no se suelte durante la noche.

• 6.

  USUKGlobalneutral
  • To cause movement or activity to stop or become congested (intransitive), as in traffic or operations becoming blocked.

  Examples

  Beta

  • Traffic tends to tie up around the downtown area during rush hour, so I avoid driving then.

    El tráfico tiende a congestionar el centro de la ciudad durante la hora pico, así que evito conducir en ese momento.

  • The shipment delays tied up the entire production line for several hours yesterday.

    Los retrasos en el envío paralizaron toda la línea de producción durante varias horas ayer.

  • If the software update causes errors, it could tie up the system and halt all user activity.

    Si la actualización del software causa errores, podría bloquear el sistema y detener toda la actividad de los usuarios.