tied

Tied is the past tense and past participle of the verb tie. The verb tie means to fasten, secure, or attach with a knot, rope, string, or similar material, or to bind something to restrict its movement. Tied describes something that has been secured or bound, for example, “The package is tied with twine.” In idiomatic use, “tied up” can mean busy or restrained, and the phrase “tied to” can indicate a connection or obligation.

In sports and competitions, a tie (or draw) occurs when participants finish with the same score. The term “tied” is used to describe the equal score or level standings: “The game is tied at 2–2” or “The two teams tied the game.” A tie may lead to tiebreakers or additional procedures to determine a winner.

Common phrases and idioms involving tie include: tie the knot (get married), tie someone down (restrict freedom or commitments), tie up loose ends (complete outstanding tasks), and tie-in (a related product, publication, or cross-promotional connection). The expression “tied to” can also describe dependence, obligation, or a linkage to something, such as being tied to a contract.

Grammar-wise, tied functions as the simple past tense and past participle of tie. It appears in perfect tenses like “has tied” or “had tied” and in passive constructions such as “the knot was tied.”