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tie-up

What does tie-up mean?

A robbery, typically of a house or business, in which the victims are tied up.

"They did a tie-up on a jeweller's out in the sticks."

Origin

From literally tying up the victims during the robbery.

Frequently asked questions

What is a 'tie-up' robbery?
A robbery, usually of a house or business, in which the victims are physically tied up so they cannot resist or raise the alarm.
Where does the term 'tie-up' come from?
Straightforwardly, from the act of literally tying up the victims during the robbery.
How is a tie-up different from an ordinary robbery?
The defining feature is that the victims are bound, which usually means it is planned and carried out on premises rather than a quick snatch.
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Slang definitions: FreeDict original editorial.