Phrasal Verbs

tie up (2)

This page is about the phrasal verb 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

a. to company matters

b. by his computer

c. with staff meetings
a) to company matters b) by his computer c) with staff meetings
tie up (2)

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1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context

Contributor: Matt Errey