tie to

tie someone or something to something

to bind someone or something to something. The robber tied the clerk to a chair. I tied colored yarn to the birthday present.

See also: tie

tie someone to something

Fig. to associate someone with something; to make a connection between someone and something. The police are trying to tie Lefty to the burglary. They'll never tie me to that bunch of crooks!

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tie something to something

to connect one thing to another Any increase in pay is tied to doing a better job.

See also: tie

tie you to something

to connect you to something Police found bloody clothes in Duggan's closet, and that's how they tied him to the killings. Melanie wished she weren't tied to home and could travel a little.

See also: tie