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tie

tie

170 2.0
A situation in a game where two players or teams have the same score
  • noun
  • /taɪ/
translation icon : empate
  • The votes are in and we have a tie between Sean and Thomas.
  • break a tie
  • a tie game
  • a tie vote

And so I think wishful, it was a tie, literally wishful thinking prevailed.

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Examples

  • Well, folks, for the first time since 1961, our Labor Day Cup has ended in a tie.

  • If there is a tie vote, the chair will make the final decision.

    Academic text (1992)
  • It's a tie score at the bottom of the second half.

  • It's a tie game, it's almost over.

  • Zoran is right and that puts you into a tie for the lead with Brad.

  • In the 43rd minute, with the two teams still locked in a tense tie, the TV broadcast cut off without warning.

    Academic text (2010)
  • A tie game!

  • We have a tie.

  • When the referee blew the final whistle, sealing the 0-0 tie between England and Algeria, I didn't know what to expect.

    Academic text (2010)
  • The match ended in a tie, leaving both teams satisfied with their performance.

Synonyms

draw
vstie
91 2.4

A game or contest that ends with an equal score

is more general and can refer to a temporary equal score
dead heat
vstie
19 6.7

A race result when two or more people finish exactly together

applies to any contest with equal results and not only races or finishes
standoff
vstie
1 4.7

A situation in a game or contest where both sides have the same score and no winner

can mean any equal score even when a winner may still be possible

Idioms

to tie the knot
  • Informal
26 3.1

To get married and begin life together as a couple

Stop someone from acting or making decisions

1 7.9

To become very confused and anxious because you worry too much

Compounds

36 2.8

A small necktie tied in a bow, worn for formal events

black tie
  • Formal
12 3.7

A formal evening dress code for men that requires a black jacket and bow tie

black-tie
  • Formal
11 4.4

Requiring formal evening clothes like a tuxedo and bow tie for men

A shared feeling or value that keeps people together

railroad tie
  • Specialized
2 4.1

A heavy wooden or concrete beam laid across railway tracks to hold rails in place

2 3.0

A small metal piece that holds a tie to a shirt to keep it in place

white tie
  • Formal
2 7.0

A very formal men's evening dress code requiring a white bow tie and tailcoat

1 7.5

A thin cord worn around the neck and held by a decorative clasp as a necktie

1 6.5

A small decorative pin that holds a tie to a shirt

tie-in
  • Specialized
1 6.5

Something used to join two or more parts in building work

1 6.3

A situation where normal activity stops or slows because of a block

1 4.4

A connection between people or groups to work together

skinny tie
  • Archaic
1 4.1

A narrow necktie popular in the late 1950s and 1960s

1 8.1

A very formal evening outfit for men with a white bow tie, white waistcoat, black tailcoat, and matching trousers

cup tie
  • Jargon
1 6.3

A match between teams in a cup competition where the loser is out

1 8.4

A narrow cloth worn at the neck to show which school someone went to and social connections

1 1.6

A small holder that keeps ties neat in a closet

tie rod
  • Specialized
1 6.7

A rod that connects the steering parts to the front wheels so they turn together

1 6.5

A very narrow necktie made of string or ribbon and tied in a bow

white-tie
  • Formal
1 8.0

Evening dress so formal that men wear white bow ties and tailcoats

tie beam
  • Specialized
7.3

A long horizontal piece that stops two roof sides or walls spreading apart

tongue tie
  • Specialized
8.2

A small piece of skin under the tongue is too short from birth and stops the tongue moving well

A wide necktie often tied in a large knot for formal occasions

How Advantageous

to outmaneuver
  • US
15 7.7
to outflank
4 7.0
to beat
1.4
tie
170 2.0
to lose
1.0

Surface Forms

tie singular
ties plural

Etymology

Tie in a game is like two scores being 'tied' together so neither team is ahead, which is why a tie means an equal result.