tie down
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To restrict someone's freedom, choices, or ability to act independently, often through obligations, responsibilities, or commitments.
- To secure or fasten something firmly in place using ropes, straps, or similar restraints.
Usage
- The primary meaning involves imposing a limitation or restriction, typically on a person.
- The secondary meaning involves the physical act of fastening an object to prevent movement.
- It is often used in passive constructions (e.g., "to be tied down").
Examples
- Restrict Freedom:
- The long-term contract tied him down and prevented him from accepting other job offers.
- She didn't want to be tied down by a mortgage so she continued renting.
- Secure Physically:
- Before the storm, we need to tie down the patio furniture.
- The cargo was securely tied down to the truck bed.
Advanced Usage
- "to tie someone down to something": To bind someone to a specific agreement, promise, or detail.
- They tried to tie him down to a specific delivery date, but he refused to commit.
Variants and Related Words
- Tie-down (noun): A device or strap used for securing something.
- The pilot checked all the tie-downs on the aircraft's wings.
- Tied down (adjective phrase): Describing a state of being restricted or obligated.
- He felt too tied down in his current role.
Synonyms
- Restrict, confine, bind, constrain (for the meaning of limiting freedom).
- Fasten, secure, lash, strap (for the physical meaning).
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Tie up: Can share the meaning of securing physically, but also means to make busy or occupy completely.
- Please tie up the boat at the dock. (Secure)
- The meeting tied me up all afternoon. (Made busy)
Related Idioms
- To have one's hands tied: To be unable to act freely due to rules or restrictions.
- I'd like to help, but my hands are tied by company policy.
Verb
- restrain from independence by an obligation
- He was tied down by his work
- secure with or as if with ropes
- tie down the prisoners
- tie up the old newspapers and bring them to the recycling shed