tight (redirected from runs a tight ship)

*tight as a drum 

1. stretched tight. (*Also: as ~.) Julia stretched the upholstery fabric over the seat of the chair until it was as tight as a drum. The skin on his scalp is tight as a drum.

2. sealed tight. (*Also: as ~.) Now that I've caulked all the windows, the house should be tight as a drum. Your butterfly died because the jar is as tight as a drum.

3. and *tight as Midas's fist very stingy. (*Also: as ~.) He won't contribute a cent. He's as tight as a drum. Old Mr. Robinson is tight as Midas's fist. Won't spend money on anything.

See also: drum

*tight as a tick 

1. very tight. (Fig. on the image of a tick swollen tight with blood or of a tick stuck tightly in someone's skin. *Also: as ~.) This lid is screwed on tight as a tick. The windows were closed—tight as a tick—to keep the cold out.

2. intoxicated. (Fig. on full as a tick. *Also: as ~.) The old man was tight as a tick but still lucid. The host got tight as a tick and fell in the pool.

3. [of a race] close, as if the racers are moving very closely together. (*Also: as ~.) This election is as tight as a tick.

4. very friendly and close; as thick as thieves. (*Also: as ~.) Those two are tight as a tick. They are always together.

See also: tick

*tight as Dick's hatband

Fig. very tight. (*Also: as ~.) I've got to lose some weight. My belt is as tight as Dick's hatband. This window is stuck tight as Dick's hatband.

close chewer and a tight spitter

Rur. someone who hates to spend money; a cheapskate. He's a close chewer and a tight spitter. Everything about him looks run-down, but he's probably the richest man in the county.

See also: and, close

hold (on) tight

to grasp (someone or something) tightly. Here we go on the merry-go-round! Hold on tight! The children were told to hold tight on the swings.

See also: hold

keep a firm grip on someone or something and keep a tight grip on someone or something 

1. Lit. to hold on to someone or something tightly. As they approached the edge, Sally kept a firm grip on little Timmy. She kept a tight grip on him. Keep a firm grip on my hand as we cross the street.

2. Fig. to keep someone or something under firm control. The manager keeps a firm grip on all the employees. I try to keep a firm grip on all the accounts.

See also: firm, grip, keep

keep a tight rein on someone or something and keep a close rein on someone or something

Fig. to watch and control someone or something diligently. (Alludes to controlling a horse by a tight grip on the reins.) The office manager kept a tight rein on the staff. Mary keeps a close rein on her children.

See also: keep, rein

on a tight leash 

1. Lit. [of an animal] on a leash, held tightly and close to its owner. I keep my dog on a tight leash so it won't bother people.

2. Fig. under very careful control. My father keeps my brother on a tight leash. We can't do much around here. The boss has us all on a tight leash.

3. Sl. addicted to some drug. Wilbur is on a tight leash. He has to have the stuff regularly. Gert is kept on a tight leash by her habit.

See also: leash

run a tight ship and run a taut ship

to run a ship or an organization in an orderly and disciplined manner. (Taut and tight mean the same thing. Taut is correct nautical use.) The new office manager really runs a tight ship. Captain Jones is known for running a taut ship.

See also: run, ship

sit tight

to wait; to wait patiently. (This does not necessarily refer to sitting.) Just relax and sit tight. I'll be right with you. We were waiting in line for the gates to open when someone came out and told us to sit tight because it wouldn't be much longer before we could go in.

See also: sit

sleep tight

to sleep warm and safe. (Usually said with good night to someone going to bed.) sleep tight, Bobby. See you in the morning.

See also: sleep

tight race

a close race. It was a tight race right up to the final turn when my horse pulled ahead and won easily.

See also: race

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a tight-arse  (British & Australian very informal) also a tight-ass (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.

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 have on a short leash, keep a tight rein on, run a tight ship, sit tight

See also: corner

be tight-arsed  (British & Australian very informal) also be tight-assed (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 (usually + about ) Army spokesmen are tight-lipped about planned operations.

have/keep somebody 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: have, leash, short

keep a tight rein on somebody/something   also keep somebody/something on a tight rein

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 stand pat

See also: sit

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in a tight spot also in a tough 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.

Related vocabulary: in a bind

See also: spot

keep somebody on a tight leash also keep somebody on a short 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

keep a tight rein on somebody/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

sit tight

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

See also: sit