tie (one) to (something)

To connect or associate one with some situation, event, or circumstance. The investigators have uncovered paperwork that ties the suspect to the money laundering scheme.

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.

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!