What is "tie up"

vb. 1 To secure with rope, string, etc. 2 (context idiomatic English) To occupy, detain, keep busy, or delay. 3 (context idiomatic English) To complete, finish, or resolve.

1. v. secure with or as if with ropes; "tie down the prisoners"; "tie up the old newspapes and bring them to the recycling shed" [syn: tie down, bind, truss]

2. invest so as to make unavailable for other purposes; "All my money is tied up in long-term investments"

3. restrain from moving or operating normally; "Traffic is tied up for miles around the bridge where the accident occurred"

4. secure in or as if in a berth or dock; "tie up the boat" [syn: moor, berth]

5. finish the last row [syn: bind off]