tie up (2)

Meaning: to make somebody busy with something

Synonym: occupy

For example:

be tied up He'll be tied up all afternoon, but he can see you tomorrow morning.
be tied up with sth Most of the time Gillian is tied up with day-to-day tasks like managing the office and sorting out staff issues.

Note: Often used in a passive form, such as, "He'll be tied up with clients all morning."

Quick Quiz:

I'm sorry, but you can't see Mr Wrigley today. He's tied up

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