ties up
Fastens with rope
Ties up means to fasten or secure something with rope, string, or similar binding: She ties up the boat at the dock every evening.
It extends to completing or concluding matters: Let me tie up a few loose ends before we leave.
The phrase also describes occupying or making unavailable: The meeting ties up the conference room all afternoon.
When someone is tied up, they're either physically bound or too busy to be available.
- restrainLimit freedom of movement
- bindFasten or obligate
- fastenFix securely in position
- lashStrike or bind
- shackleMetal limb restraint
ball and chain · entangle · secure · occupy · moor · invest · lock down · delay · traffic jam · allocate · red tape · monopolize · commit · reserve · engage · phone line · hobble · confine