1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To connect or integrate with a larger system, network, or plan.
"The new software can tie into your existing database without any reconfiguration."
inseparable
tie into
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To connect to or integrate with a larger system; or (informally) to attack or criticize someone sharply.
In plain English
To connect into something bigger, or to suddenly attack or criticize someone.
What does "tie into" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
(American English, informal) To attack or criticize someone strongly and suddenly.
"The coach really tied into the players after their sloppy performance in the first half."
inseparable
Usage tip
The 'connect to a system' sense is common in technical and business writing. The 'attack or criticize' sense is primarily American English informal usage. Context is needed to distinguish between the two very different meanings.
Words that pair with "tie into"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
system network database infrastructure someone argument
How to conjugate "tie into"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
tie into
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ties into
he/she/it
Past simple
tied into
yesterday
Past participle
tied into
have + pp
-ing form
tiing into
continuous
Hear "tie into" in the wild
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Other ways to say "tie into"
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