tie up tie up /ˈtaɪ ʌp/

verb

1. () Secure with or as if with ropes  ( tie down , truss , bind , tie up )
   secure with or as if with ropes
    Tie down the prisoners
   tie down the prisoners
    Tie up the old newspapers and bring them to the recycling shed
   tie up the old newspapers and bring them to the recycling shed
   
2. (knitting) finish the last row  ( tie up , bind off )
   (knitting) finish the last row
   
3. Secure in or as if in a berth or dock  ( berth , moor , tie up )
   secure in or as if in a berth or dock
    Tie up the boat
   tie up the boat
   
4. Restrain from moving or operating normally  ( tie up )
   restrain from moving or operating normally
    Traffic is tied up for miles around the bridge where the accident occurred
   Traffic is tied up for miles around the bridge where the accident occurred
   
5. Invest so as to make unavailable for other purposes  ( tie up )
   invest so as to make unavailable for other purposes
    All my money is tied up in long-term investments
   All my money is tied up in long-term investments