Tie up Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈtaɪ/ /ˈəp

TYE-uhp

UK

tˈaɪ/ /ˈʌp

TYE-up

Definition

To attach something or someone tightly using string, rope, etc.; also, to keep someone busy or occupied so they cannot do other things.

Usage & Nuances

'Tie up' can be literal (using rope to secure objects or people) or figurative (someone is busy or resources are used). Common in business: 'I'm tied up at the moment.' It is informal when used to mean 'busy.' Don’t confuse with 'tie' (necktie/clothing).

• Spanish: atar - amarrar - atar (persona ocupada)
• Portuguese (BR): amarrar - prender - ocupar (alguém)
• Portuguese (PT): amarrar - prender - ocupar (alguém)
• Chinese (Simplified): 绑起来 - 占用（时间/人手）
• Chinese (Traditional): 綁起來 - 佔用（時間/人力）
• Hindi: बाँधना - व्यस्त रखना
• Arabic: يربط - يشغل (شخص/وقت)
• Bengali: বেঁধে ফেলা - ব্যস্ত রাখা
• Russian: связать - занять (занятость)
• Japanese: 縛る - 忙しくさせる
• Vietnamese: buộc lại - giữ bận
• Korean: 묶다 - 바쁘게 하다
• Turkish: bağlamak - meşgul etmek
• Urdu: باندھنا - مصروف رکھنا
• Indonesian: mengikat - menyibukkan

Example Sentences

Please tie up the box with this string.

basic

I can't help now; I'm tied up with work.

basic

The thief tried to tie up the guard.

basic

Sorry, I'm all tied up this afternoon. Can we talk tomorrow?

natural

They had to tie up all the loose cables before the event.

natural

That big project really tied up our whole team for a week.

natural