Definition and pronunciation
tie the knot — idiom (verb phrase): to get married; to hold a wedding ceremony and enter a legal/recognized union.
Pronunciation: /ˌtaɪ ðə ˈnɑːt/ (US), /ˌtaɪ ðə ˈnɒt/ (UK).
Easy explanation
To tie the knot means “to marry.” It’s a friendly, informal way to say two people are having a wedding.
Part of speech and grammar
- Verb phrase used like a verb: They’ll tie the knot this fall.
- Infinitive/tense: to tie the knot; tied the knot; tying the knot.
- Objects/complements: often followed by with (person), in/at/on (place/time).
- Alternatives: get married, wed, get hitched (informal).
Register and tone
Informal to neutral. Common in conversation and headlines. Slightly playful, not legalistic.
Connection to sexuality
Indirect. The phrase marks the start of a marriage; it doesn’t imply sexual activity or consent. In marriage, consent remains ongoing and explicit.
Common collocations
plan to tie the knot; finally tie the knot; quietly tie the knot; tie the knot with X; tie the knot in [city/venue]; tie the knot on [date]; destination wedding to tie the knot; ready to tie the knot
Idioms and expressions
- get hitched — informal synonym.
- walk down the aisle — participate in the ceremony.
- pop the question — propose marriage.
- big day — the wedding day.
Prepositions and nuance
- tie the knot with someone — names the spouse.
- tie the knot in/at — location or venue: in Jaipur; at City Hall.
- tie the knot on — date/time: on June 1.
- tie the knot under — rite or law: under civil law; under Sikh rites.
Prepositions specify who, where, when, and how; the meaning stays “marry.”
Word comparisons
- tie the knot vs marry — marry is standard; tie the knot is friendlier.
- tie the knot vs wed — wed is formal/journalistic.
- tie the knot vs get hitched — get hitched is slangier.
- tie the knot vs elope — elope means marry with little/no ceremony or secrecy.
- tie the knot vs nuptials — nuptials is a noun meaning the wedding ceremony.
Real-life examples
- After ten years together, they’ll tie the knot on a beach with close friends.
- The actors quietly tied the knot at a courthouse and announced it later.
- Many couples tie the knot abroad and host a local party afterward.
- Headlines often say stars tied the knot when details are private.
Sample sentences
- We’re flying to Portugal to tie the knot next spring.
- They tied the knot at City Hall and threw a backyard reception.
- She’s excited to tie the knot with her college sweetheart.
- The couple plans to tie the knot on July 4.
- After the ceremony, they felt relieved to have finally tied the knot.
Synonyms
marry, wed, get married, get hitched, tie the marriage knot, exchange vows, unite in marriage
Antonyms
divorce, separate, annul, split up
Related terms
wedding, marriage, wed, wedded, spouse, partner, fiancé/fiancée, vow, ceremony, elope, civil union, domestic partnership, prenuptial agreement, postnuptial agreement, marital status
Notes and etiquette
Use tie the knot in friendly writing or speech; switch to marry or wed in legal or formal contexts. Be precise with logistics (with/in/at/on/under) and mindful that marriage customs and laws vary by culture and jurisdiction.
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