crossword clue tie up – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Answercrossword.com! If you're stuck on the clue "tie up," you've come to the right place. We provide all possible answers, organized by letter count, along with clear explanations to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "crossword clue tie up" by Letter Count
4 Letters
BIND: To secure or fasten, often with rope or string, which is a common meaning of 'tie up'.
KNOT: To form a fastening or lump by interweaving or tying a flexible material, such as rope or string.
MOOR: To secure a boat or ship by attaching it to a fixed object on shore or to an anchor.
6 Letters
OCCUPY: To engage or engross the attention of, or to take up a significant amount of time or space.
8 Letters
RESTRAIN: To prevent someone or something from doing something; keep under control or check.
9 Letters
IMPLICATE: To show someone to be involved in a crime or tricky situation, effectively 'tying them up' in it.
More About "crossword clue tie up"
The phrase "tie up" is a versatile one, which makes it a common and sometimes challenging clue in crosswords. Its literal meaning of fastening or securing with a tie, rope, or knot (as in BIND or KNOT) is often the first thought. However, crosswords love to play on secondary meanings and phrasal verbs.
For instance, "tie up" can mean to occupy someone's time or resources, making them unavailable, hence answers like OCCUPY or ENGAGE. In a nautical context, to "tie up" a boat is to MOOR it. Cryptic clues might even hint at a more abstract sense, like IMPLICATE, meaning to involve someone in a complex or compromising situation. Always consider the context, the number of letters, and any surrounding filled-in letters to narrow down the possibilities for this multifaceted clue.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: The number of letters is your most crucial hint. If "tie up" is a 4-letter answer, options like BIND or KNOT are likely. For longer answers, look for more complex synonyms like OCCUPY or IMPLICATE.
- Consider Phrasal Verb Meanings: Many crossword clues use phrasal verbs with multiple interpretations. "Tie up" can mean to secure, to finish, to busy oneself, or to resolve. Think about all possible definitions beyond the most common.
- Look for Context Clues: Sometimes, the surrounding clues or the puzzle's theme can guide you. Is it a nautical-themed puzzle? Then MOOR might be highly relevant. Is it about daily tasks? OCCUPY could fit.
- Check Intersecting Letters: Use the letters you've already filled in from intersecting words. These letters will definitively rule out or confirm potential answers, even for tricky clues like "tie up."
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'tie up' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'tie up' can have multiple meanings, ranging from literally binding something (like 'bind' or 'knot') to occupying someone's time ('occupy'), or even securing a boat ('moor') or involving someone in a situation ('implicate'). The specific meaning depends on the word length and surrounding clues.
How can I figure out the right answer for a tricky 'tie up' clue?
Look at the number of letters required. Consider synonyms for 'secure,' 'fasten,' 'restrain,' 'engage,' or 'involve.' Also, check if the clue uses a specific context (e.g., nautical, legal, or time management). Sometimes, a cryptic clue might play on a double meaning of 'tie up'.
Are there common themes related to 'tie up' in crosswords?
Yes, common themes include nautical terms (like 'moor'), general fastening terms ('bind', 'knot'), and concepts of engagement or restriction ('occupy', 'hinder'). Financial contexts can also use 'tie up' to mean committing funds.