tie down

tie someone or something down

to fasten someone or something down by tying or binding. The robbers tied Gary down so he couldn't get up and get away. They tied down Gary.

See also: tie

tie someone down (to someone or something)

Fig. to encumber something with someone or something; to make someone responsible to or for someone or something. Please don't tie me down to your uncle. Let your sister help out. Yes, don't tie me down all week.

See also: tie

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tie somebody down also tie down somebody

to limit someone's freedom We were tied down by an impossible schedule and had to put off all vacations. He always thought marriage would tie him down and said it was too bad he was so stupid for so long.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of tie down (to hold in place with rope)

See also: tie