Tied up - NYT Crossword Clue

Introduction

Today's clue, "Tied up," is a fantastic example of a classic crossword misdirection. It takes a common, everyday phrase and asks you to find a less common, but equally valid, meaning. This kind of wordplay is what makes crosswords so engaging and, at times, delightfully tricky.

Clue Analysis

The phrase "Tied up" most immediately brings to mind two primary meanings:

1. Physically bound: Someone or something is restrained with ropes, cords, etc.
2. Occupied or busy: "I can't talk right now, I'm tied up in a meeting."

However, neither of these meanings leads to the answer. The puzzle is directing us toward a third, more figurative context: sports. In a game or contest, to "tie up" the score means to make it equal. If Team A is winning 2-1 and Team B scores, they have tied up the game. The answer, therefore, is a verb that means "made equal."

The clue is phrased in the past tense, which is a crucial grammatical hint. The answer will also be in the past tense.

Thinking Approaches

When you encounter a clue like this, and the obvious meanings aren't working with the crossing letters, here's a good process to follow:

1. Brainstorm Contexts: Ask yourself, "Where else have I heard this phrase?" Think beyond the literal. Could it be used in sports? Business? Cooking? In this case, the sports context is the key that unlocks the puzzle.

2. Create a Synonym Ladder: Start with the clue's alternative meaning and find synonyms. For example:

   • "Tied up the score" -> "Made the score equal" -> "Leveled the score" -> "Evened the score."

3. Check the Grammar: The clue uses a past-participle form. This strongly suggests the answer will be a past-tense verb. This helps you land on a word ending in -ED, which is a huge help in grid-filling.

4. Use the Crossings: If you have a few letters, see if they fit the "making things equal" theme. If you had E_E_ED, the answer becomes much clearer.

Background Context

The use of "tie" to mean making a score equal is deeply rooted in sports terminology. It's a staple of commentary and sports journalism. Announcers will frequently exclaim, "And with that three-pointer, he's tied up the game!" Recognizing these specific, context-dependent meanings of common words is a skill that develops with crossword experience.

Conclusion

"Tied up" is a perfect medium-difficulty clue. It doesn't require obscure knowledge, but it does demand mental flexibility. It teaches the solver to look past the most obvious definition and consider how language shifts in different contexts. Once you see the trick, it feels fair and clever, which is the hallmark of a great crossword clue.

Hints

1. Hint 1: Think about the score in a competitive game.
2. Hint 2: This phrase describes what happens when one team catches up to the other.
3. Hint 3: It means to make something level or equal.
4. Hint 4: The answer is a past-tense verb.

The answer is EVENED.