tie up phrasal verbphr v [transitiveT]1tie ↔ something up to use money for something so that it is not easily available to be used for anything elseThese securities could be a good choice for investors who can afford to tie up their money for two to seven years.
tie ↔ something up inHer cash is all tied up in real estate.
The bank had too high a percentage of its assets, about 20%, tied up in one borrower.
2to use a telephone line so that it cannot be used for anything else or by anyone elseWith broadband, your phone line will never need to be tied up again.
3be tied up to be very busy so that you do not have time to see someone or to do somethingI can’t see you tomorrow — I’m going to be tied up all day.
4to finish arranging all the details of a contract, deal, or planOur sales team were able to tie up a new contract.
5American EnglishAmE to block the movement of vehicles or people so that they cannot move freelyThere’s a free roadside service for stranded vehicles that tie up traffic.
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