1 A2 neutral
To fasten or secure something physically so it cannot move.
"The workers tied down the equipment on the truck before driving through the storm."
separable
tie down
B1 neutral separable transitive
To secure something physically with ties, or to restrict someone's freedom of movement or commitment.
In plain English
To use ropes or ties to stop something from moving, or to stop a person from being free to do other things.
What does "tie down" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic neutral
To restrict a person's freedom, time, or options, especially through obligations or commitments.
"He didn't want to be tied down by a long-term contract so early in his career."
“
I didn't want to be tied down with a mortgage.
— Common personal finance interview phrasing; representative example noted in The Guardian, Money section
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically fasten something to a surface using rope or ties so it cannot move.
Actually means
To use ropes or ties to stop something from moving, or to stop a person from being free to do other things.
Usage tip
The literal sense (securing cargo, equipment) is straightforward. The figurative sense — restricting a person's freedom, time, or choices — is very common and can carry positive or negative connotations depending on context (e.g. 'tied down by a mortgage' vs. 'I don't want to be tied down'). Often used in discussions of relationships or responsibilities.
Words that pair with "tie down"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cargo commitment relationship contract mortgage responsibility
How to conjugate "tie down"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tie down
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ties down
he/she/it
Past simple
tied down
yesterday
Past participle
tied down
have + pp
-ing form
tiing down
continuous
Hear "tie down" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "tie down" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "tie down"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
bind commit constrain fasten restrict secure
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