tight (redirected from ran a tight ship)

be in a tight corner/spot

to be in a difficult situation. She had been in tight corners before and had always managed to get out of them.

See also: corner, spot

be tight-arsed (British & Australian, very informal, American, very informal)

to be worried about small details that are not important. Don't ask Jack to get involved, he's so tight-assed and really irritating.

be tight-lipped

1. to have an angry expression. Dad was harassed and tight-lipped and I thought he was going to lose his temper.

2. to not give any information about something. Army spokesmen are tight-lipped about planned operations. (usually + about)

have/keep someone on a short/tight leash

to have a lot of control over someone's behaviour and allow them very little freedom to do what they want. He doesn't go out with the lads so much these days. Michelle keeps him on a tight leash.

See also: keep, leash, short

keep a tight rein on someone/something

to have a lot of control over someone or something. He made ends meet by keeping a tight rein on his budget. Our parents always kept us on a pretty tight rein.

See also: keep, rein

run a tight ship

to control a business or other organization firmly and effectively. Ruth runs a tight ship and has no time for shirkers.

See also: run, ship

sit tight (informal)

1. to remain in a place, usually sitting down. Just sit tight while I go and phone for help. Sit tight and don't move that leg.

2. to not take any action while you wait for something to happen. Shareholders are advised to sit tight and see how the situation develops.

See also: sit

a tight-arse (British & Australian, very informal, American, very informal)

a person who does not like to spend money or give it to other people. You won't get a drink out of her, she's a real tight-arse.

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in a tight spot

in a difficult situation. If there is a shortage of fuel, everyone who drives to work will be in a tight spot. Bob's in a tight spot right now because he has fallen behind in his work.

put someone/something in a hole

in a bind

See also: spot

keep a tight rein on someone/something

to control someone or something carefully. Clarke has consistently pointed to the need to keep a tight rein on government finances. He kept a tight rein on his daughter.

See also: keep, rein

keep someone on a tight leash

to allow someone very little freedom to do what they want. He doesn't go out with the guys much now that his girlfriend is around to keep him on a tight leash.

Usage notes: sometimes used with have: The police will have a tight leash on all the suspects until the trial.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of leash (= a length of rope or leather used to prevent a dog or other animal from getting away)

See also: keep, leash

sit tight

to wait patiently and take no action. You just sit tight while I go get help.

See also: sit