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Reference : Phrasal Verbs : T : tie up (3)

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tie up (3)

Meaning: to make something or someone unavailable by committing them to something

For example:

  • be tied up Most of our money is tied up in long-term investments, so we don't have much cash available just now.

  • tie up sth/sb Do you think it's a good idea to tie up all our production capacity, or should we keep some free for special orders?

Quick Quiz:

Nearly all of our military forces are tied up in conlicts overseas, so we don't have many troops who are
  1. on active duty
  2. training for military duty
  3. available for overseas duty