tighttight1 /taɪt/ ●●● S2 W3 adjective (comparative tighter, superlative tightest) 
tight jeans My shoes were so tight that I could hardly walk. The jacket is rather a tight fit (=it fits too tightly).2pulled/stretched firmly string, wire, cloth etc that is tight has been pulled or stretched firmly so that it is straight or cannot move: The bandage must be tight enough to stop the bleeding. She tied the rope around the post and pulled it tight.3attached firmly a screw, lid etc that is tight is firmly attached and difficult to move: Check that the screws are tight.4holding something firmly a tight hold/grip if you keep or have a tight hold on something, you hold it firmly: His mother kept a tight hold on his hand.5strict controlling something very strictly or firmly: The government is keeping tight control on immigration.keep a tight grip/hold/rein on something (=control it very firmly) The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power. Anna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings. Security is always tight for the opening day of parliament.run/keep a tight ship (=manage a company, organization etc strictly and effectively)6little money if money is tight, you do not have enough of itmoney is tight/things are tight Money was tight and he needed a job badly. As you know, I run the magazine on a pretty tight budget.7little time if time is tight, it is difficult for you to do everything you need to do in the time available: Time is tight, and she has another meeting to go to this afternoon. We should arrive on time, but it’ll be tight. As usual, his schedule on Saturday was tight (=he had arranged to do several things in a short time). I'm working to a very tight deadline (=I have to finish a piece of work very quickly).8little space if space is tight, there is only just enough space to fit something into a placebe a tight squeeze/fit Six in the car will be a tight squeeze.9not generous informal not generous, or trying hard to avoid spending money: Don’t be so tight!10close together placed or standing closely together: The animal’s body was curled up in a tight little ball. She wore her hair in a tight bun.11close relationship a tight group of people, countries etc have a close relationship with each other SYN tight-knit: Together, the young film-makers formed a tight group. the tight bonds that had grown between them12bend/turn a tight bend or turn is very curved and turns quickly in another direction: Danny lost control on a tight bend, and the car ran off the road.13chest/stomach/throat if your chest, stomach, or throat feels tight, it feels painful and uncomfortable, because you are ill or worried: Before she went on stage her chest felt tight and her throat hurt.14expression/smile/voice a tight expression, smile, or voice shows that you are annoyed or worried SYN tight-lipped: ‘Look, I’m sorry ...,’ she said, forcing a tight smile.15difficult situation in a tight corner/spot informal in a difficult situation: He’s a good man to have around if ever you’re in a tight corner. ‘Did something go wrong?’ ‘Let’s just say I got into a bit of a tight spot.’16play/performance playing a piece of music or giving a performance very exactly and well, without any pauses or mistakes: The band gave a really tight performance. a tight, well-rehearsed production17game/competition a tight game, competition etc is one in which the teams, players etc play equally well, and it is not easy to win: The opening quarter of the game was very tight.18drunk [not before noun] old-fashioned informal drunk—tightness noun [uncountable] → airtight, watertight
WORD ORIGINtight1
Origin:
1400-1500 thight ‘closely packed, solid, thick’ (14-19 centuries), probably from a Scandinavian languageEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "Seat belt tight? Good, this could be a rough ride."
- a tight deadline
- a tight skirt
- Cover with a tight lid and refrigerate.
- Her mother gave a tight, forced smile.
- I've never been very good at reversing into tight parking spaces.
- I don't wear my black dress very much. It's very tight around the waist.
- I never wear tight clothes - I just don't feel comfortable in them.
- If the straps aren't tight enough, the saddle can slip.
- If your shirt collar's too tight, undo your top button.
- Ken hasn't always been so tight with money.
- Laws controlling the emission of greenhouse gases are not nearly tight enough.
- Make sure the lid is tight enough so that it won't leak.
- Money has been really tight because we had major car problems.
- My chest was tight with tension.
- My schedule is very tight right now, but I'll try to fit you in.
- Security at the conference was extremely tight.
- The planes approached in a tight grouping.
- The report recommends tighter controls on the advertising of cigarettes.
- The treaty would place tight limits on weapons testing.
- How else, they assume, but tight coordination and control to deal with so many moving parts?
- I just smiled a tight smile.
- Mr Stoiber has been in the forefront of those calling for tighter restrictions on asylum-seekers and ordinary immigrants.
- She curled up in a tight ball as though to stop herself from breaking apart.
- The humans had grown their winter coats, and the high buildings trembled in the tight grip of their stress equations.
- Though unwelcome, this decline was predicted and planned for - and spending was therefore rightly under tight constraint in 1992.
THESAURUSrule/law/system
a strict order or rule is one that must be obeyed: · There are strict rules about keeping tax records.· He had strict instructions to return the key to me.
tight controls or limits are very strict about what is allowed and what is not allowed: · The report recommends tighter controls on the advertising of alcohol.· There are tight regulations governing waste disposal.
tough laws or rules are very strict: · They want tougher laws against drinking and driving.· The federal government is introducing tough new rules on immigration.
harsh punishments or laws are very severe, often too severe: · There are harsh penalties for drug trafficking.· The government has brought in harsh measures to combat the rioting taking place in many cities.
controlling what people can do with rules that have very high standards: · There are now stringent controls on pollution from all power stations.· stringent new food safety regulations
Longman Language Activatortight clothes tight clothes or shoes are only just big enough for you to wear, and they are often uncomfortable: · This skirt is far too tight.· Tight shoes can cause corns and other foot problems.· I never wear tight clothes - I just don't feel comfortable in them.
skintight clothes are very tight and fit exactly to the shape of your body, especially in a way that looks sexually attractive: · Suzy was wearing a sleeveless skintight dress and sandals.· a pair of skintight jeans
tight-fitting or close-fitting clothes are deliberately made to be tight when they are worn: · Standing next to him was a small, thin woman in a close-fitting black suit.· The diver's wet suit should be tight-fitting, yet allow reasonable freedom of movement.
when a rope, wire etc has been pulled or stretched tight rope, wire, cloth etc that is tight has been pulled or stretched as far as possible so that it is straight or it cannot move: · If the straps aren't tight enough, the saddle can slip.· "Seat belt tight? Good, this could be a rough ride."
written stretched very tight: · The skin of his face felt dry and taut.· He massaged the taut muscles of her neck.· A single strand of taut barbed wire was strung along the top of the garden wall.
fastened tight a screw, lid, cover etc that is tight has been firmly fixed and is difficult to move: · Check that the screws are tight.· Cover with a tight lid and refrigerate.
if something is firmly closed or fixed, it has been closed or fixed so that it cannot move: · The posts must be fixed firmly in the ground.· When leaving the house, check that all doors and windows are firmly closed and locked.
if something is securely fastened or fixed, it has been carefully fastened or fixed so that it will not move or open and cause an accident: · We made sure that our bags were securely fastened to the roof of the car.· A large safety screen, securely fixed to the wall, will prevent a child coming into contact with a fire.
if something is held, stuck, or tied fast it is held, stuck, or tied so tightly that it cannot be moved at all: · The front of the boat was stuck fast in the mud. · The spare tyre on the back of the Jeep was held fast by three strong bolts.
to make something tight to make something tight, either by fastening it firmly so that it cannot move, or by pulling it until it is tight: tighten a screw/bolt (=by turning it): · Tighten the screws gradually until the wheel is firmly in place.· He changed the spanner for one the correct size and tightened the nut.tighten a rope/belt/string etc: · I think the fan belt needs to be tightened.
to pull a string, rope etc hard, so that it becomes tight: · Brian wrapped some string round the parcel and pulled it tight.· She buttoned her jacket all the way up and pulled the collar tight around her neck.
to pull a piece of rope, cloth, rubber etc so that it becomes tight, making it slightly longer than it normally is: · Seth stretched the phone cord around the corner so that he could speak in private.stretch something over/between etc something: · He stretched a large tarpaulin over the vehicle, tying it down at the corners.
when clothes are not the right size · If the boots don't fit, we can return them tomorrow.not fit somebody · There was nothing wrong with the coat - we took it back to the shop because it didn't fit her.
· You can't wear your father's suit, it's far too big.· I have to buy Tim some new sandals. The ones he's wearing are too small.be too big/small for · Those jeans must be two sizes too big for you.
· I bought him a shirt, but it wasn't the right size.not be the right size for · That sweater won't be the right size for him -- he'll need an extra-large.
clothes that are tight are uncomfortable to wear because they are too small and press into your body: · I don't wear my black dress very much. It's very tight around the waist.· If your shirt collar's too tight, undo your top button.
if you can't get into a dress, skirt, trousers etc, you have difficulty putting them on because they are too small: · I put on five pounds over Christmas and now I can't get into these jeans.
not generous also miserly not generous, especially in small ways, when you could easily afford to be generous: · They are rich, but they are terribly stingy.· A hard, miserly woman, she left her daughters emotionally damaged.stingy with: · I don't know why they were so stingy with the drinks -- they have plenty of money.
British someone who is mean does not like spending money or sharing what they have with other people: · He's so mean, he won't even buy his wife a birthday present.mean with: · Marsha has always been mean with her money.
spoken informal someone who is tight or tight-fisted is not at all generous and tries hard to avoid spending money: · "I don't think I'll bother getting them a present." "Don't be so tight!"· Don't even ask Dad. You know how tight-fisted he is about these kinds of things.· a tight-fisted bosstight with money: · Even as a young man, Paul was notoriously tight with his money.
spending very little, or always spending less than is needed, often because you do not have very much money: · His grandparents were humourless and penny-pinching.· She could finally tolerate no more of his coldness and penny-pinching ways.· Unfortunately we have a penny-pinching local government that spends as little as possible on parks and sports facilities.
when there is not a lot of space when there is only just enough space for things or people to fit: · It was a tight squeeze, but everything eventually fitted into my suitcase.· Put the spare bed in here - it will be a tight squeeze but it's only temporary.
if space is tight , there is not a lot of it: · We sell furniture specially designed for homes where space is tight.· I've never been very good at reversing into tight parking spaces.
if a room or building is cramped , there is not enough space to be able to move around it comfortably: · Conditions on board ship were extremely cramped and uncomfortable.· I couldn't wait to move out of my cramped apartment.
rules/laws/systems strict rules, laws, etc are very clear and must always be obeyed: · There are strict rules about the use of dangerous chemicals.· He had strict instructions to return the key to me.
tough laws or rules are very strict and do not allow much freedom: · The federal government is introducing tough new rules to control immigration.· Opposition leaders are demanding tougher laws against drinking and driving.
a harsh law or system of government has strict rules and severe punishments - use this about something that you think is unfair and too strict: · The government has brought in harsh measures to combat the rioting taking place in many cities.· a harsh military regime
controlled very strictly by rules that have very high standards: stringent controls/measures/regulations etc: · There are now stringent controls on pollution from all power stations.· stringent air safety regulations
rigid systems or rules are very strict and difficult to change: · He built the team through hard training and rigid discipline.· It is not possible to lay down rigid rules on sentencing - judges must be free to use their discretion.
tight controls or limits are very strict about what is allowed and what is not allowed: · The report recommends tighter controls on the advertising of cigarettes.· Laws controlling the emission of greenhouse gases are not nearly tight enough.
formal: draconian laws/measures/penalties etc laws or punishments that are extremely strict or cruel: · The government has imposed draconian penalties for anyone found in possession of illegal drugs.· Draconian measures have been implemented to control population growth.
WORD SETSabscess, nounache, verbache, nounacne, nounagoraphobia, nounagoraphobic, nounague, noun-aholic, suffixAIDS, nounailment, nounairsick, adjectivealbino, nounalcoholic, nounalcoholism, nounallergic, adjectiveallergy, nounamnesia, nounamputee, nounanaemia, nounanaemic, adjectiveangina, nounanorexia, nounanorexic, adjectiveantacid, nounanthrax, nounantibody, nounantidepressant, nounantidote, nounantigen, nounantihistamine, nounanti-inflammatory, adjectiveantitoxin, nounapoplectic, adjectiveapoplexy, nounappendicitis, nounarteriosclerosis, nounarthritis, nounaseptic, adjectiveaspirin, nounasthma, nounastigmatism, nounasymptomatic, adjectiveathlete's foot, nounatrophy, verbauto-immune disease, nounAyurvedic medicine, nounbaby blues, nounbacillus, nounbackache, nounbark, verbbattle fatigue, nounBCG, nounbedridden, adjectivebedsore, nounbed-wetting, nounbellyache, nounbenign, adjectiveberiberi, nounbespectacled, adjectivebetter, adjectivebilious, adjectivebinge, verbbiopsy, nounbirthmark, nounbite, verbbite, nounblack and blue, adjectiveBlack Death, the, black eye, nounblackout, nounbleed, verbbleeding, nounblind, verbblister, nounblister, verbblood bank, nounblood donor, nounblood poisoning, nounbloodshot, adjectiveblood transfusion, nounbloody, adjectivebloody, verbblue baby, nounboil, nounbotulism, nounbrain damage, nounbreakdown, nounbronchitis, nounbruise, nounbruise, verbBSE, nounbubonic plague, nounbug, nounbulimia, nounbump, nounbunion, nounbuzz, verbcalloused, adjectivecallus, nouncancer, nouncandida, nouncanker, nouncarbuncle, nouncarcinogen, nouncarcinogenic, adjectivecarcinoma, nouncardiac, adjectivecardiovascular, adjectivecaries, nouncarpal tunnel syndrome, nouncarrier, nouncarry, verbcarsick, adjectivecast, nouncasualty, nouncataract, nouncatarrh, nouncatatonic, adjectivecatching, adjectivecauliflower ear, nouncerebral palsy, nouncertify, verbcervical smear, nounchapped, adjectivecharley horse, nounchemotherapy, nounchesty, adjectivechicken pox, nounchilblains, nounChinese medicine, nouncholera, nounchronic, adjectivecirrhosis, nounCJD, nouncleanse, verbcleft palate, nounclinic, nounclinical, adjectiveclub foot, nouncold, nouncold sore, nouncolic, nouncolitis, nouncollapse, verbcolour-blind, adjectivecoma, nouncommon cold, nouncommon denominator, nouncommunicate, verbcomplaint, nouncomplicate, verbcomplication, nouncompound fracture, nounconcuss, verbconcussion, nouncondition, nouncongenital, adjectivecongested, adjectiveconjunctivitis, nounconstipation, nounconsumption, nounconsumptive, nouncontagion, nouncontagious, adjectivecontinent, adjectivecontract, verbcontusion, nounconvalesce, verbconvulsion, nouncorn, nouncortisone, nouncot death, nouncough, nounCPR, nouncrack-up, nouncramp, nounCreutzfeldt-Jakob disease, nouncrick, nouncrick, verbcripple, nouncripple, verbcross-eyed, adjectivecroup, nouncurable, adjectivecut, nouncyst, nouncystic fibrosis, nouncystitis, noundecompression sickness, noundeep vein thrombosis, noundeformity, noundegenerative, adjectivedehydrate, verbdelirious, adjectivedelirium, noundelusion, noundementia, noundengue fever, noundepression, noundermatitis, noundiabetes, noundiabetic, adjectivediabetic, noundiagnosis, noundialysis, noundiaper rash, noundiarrhoea, noundiphtheria, noundisability, noundisable, verbdisabled, adjectivedischarge, verbdisease, noundisgorge, verbdislocate, verbdisorder, noundissipated, adjectivedissipation, noundistemper, noundistend, verbdizzy, adjectivedoddering, adjectivedoddery, adjectivedonate, verbdonor, noundouble vision, noundoughy, adjectivedown, adverbDown's syndrome, noundrawn, adjectivedressing, noundrinker, noundrunk, adjectivedrunk, noundrunken, adjectivedull, adjectivedumb, adjectiveDVT, noundysentery, noundyslexia, noundyspepsia, noundyspeptic, adjectiveearache, nouneating disorder, nounEbola, nounectopic pregnancy, nouneczema, nounemaciated, adjectiveemasculate, verbembolism, nounemphysema, nounencephalitis, nounendoscope, nounenervate, verbenteritis, nounepidemic, nounepilepsy, nounepileptic, adjectiveepileptic, nounetiology, nounexcruciating, adjectiveexposure, nouneyeless, adjectiveeye strain, nounfail, verbfaint, nounfester, verbfever, nounfever blister, nounfevered, adjectivefeverish, adjectivefirst aid, nounfit, nounflat feet, nounflat-footed, adjectiveflu, nounfood poisoning, nounfoot and mouth disease, nounfracture, verbfracture, nounfrostbite, noungall, noungammy, adjectiveganglion, noungangrene, noungas, noungash, noungastric, adjectivegastritis, noungastroenteritis, nounGerman measles, nounget, verbgingivitis, nounglandular fever, nounglaucoma, noungnarled, adjectivegonorrhea, noungout, noungrand mal, noungraze, verbgraze, noungriping, adjectivegroggy, adjectivegrowing pains, noungrowth, noungush, verbgynaecology, nounhacking cough, nounhaemophilia, nounhaemophiliac, nounhaemorrhage, nounhaemorrhage, verbhaemorrhoids, nounhalitosis, nounhandicap, nounhandicapped, adjectivehangover, nounhard of hearing, adjectiveharelip, nounhay fever, nounheadache, nounhealth, nounheart attack, nounheartburn, nounheart disease, nounheart failure, nounheat exhaustion, nounheat rash, nounheatstroke, nounheave, verbhepatitis, nounhernia, nounherpes, nounHIV, nounhormone replacement therapy, nounhospital, nounhospitalize, verbhot flush, nounhousebound, adjectiveHRT, nounhump, nounhumpback, nounhunchback, nounhungover, adjectivehydrophobia, nounhypertension, nounhypothermia, nounhysterectomy, nounhysteria, nounhysterical, adjectiveillness, nounimmune, adjectiveimmune system, nounimmunity, nounimmunize, verbimmunology, nounimpacted, adjectiveimpediment, nounimpetigo, nounimpotent, adjectiveincision, nounincontinent, adjectiveincubate, verbincurable, adjectiveindigestion, nounindisposed, adjectiveindisposition, nouninfantile, adjectiveinfantile paralysis, nouninfect, verbinfected, adjectiveinfection, nouninfectious, adjectiveinfirmity, nouninflammation, nouninflammatory, adjectiveinfluenza, nouninfusion, nouningrowing, adjectiveinoculate, verbinoperable, adjectiveinsane, adjectiveinsanity, nouninsomnia, nouninsomniac, nouninstability, nounintensive care, nounintravenous, adjectiveinvalid, nouninvalidity, nouninvasive, adjectiveirregular, adjectiveirritable bowel syndrome, nounirritant, nounirritate, verbirritated, adjectiveirritation, noun-ism, suffixisolation, nounjaundice, nounjaundiced, adjectivejet lag, nounknock-kneed, adjectiveknotted, adjectivelaceration, nounlaryngitis, nounlegionnaire's disease, nounleper, nounleprosy, nounlesion, nounleukemia, nounlisp, nounlisteria, nounliverish, adjectivelockjaw, nounlong-sighted, adjectiveloose, adjectivelozenge, nounlumbago, nounlunacy, nounLyme disease, nounmad cow disease, nounmalady, nounmalaise, nounmalaria, nounmalformation, nounmalignancy, nounmalignant, adjectivemalnourished, adjectivemalnutrition, nounmange, nounmangy, adjectivemania, nounmanic, adjectivemanic depression, nounmastitis, nounME, nounmeasles, nounmedicinal, adjectivemegalomania, nounmegalomaniac, nounmelancholia, nounmelancholic, adjectivemelanoma, nounmend, verbmeningitis, nounmentally handicapped, adjectivemigraine, nounmild, adjectivemiscarriage, nounmole, nounmongol, nounmono, nounmononucleosis, nounmorbid, adjectivemorning sickness, nounmoron, nounmotion sickness, nounmotor neurone disease, nounMRI, nounMRSA, nounMS, nounmultiple sclerosis, nounmumps, nounmurmur, nounmusclebound, adjectivemuscular dystrophy, nounmute, adjectivemute, nounmyopia, nounmyopic, adjectivemyxomatosis, nounnarcolepsy, nounnausea, nounnauseate, verbnauseous, adjectivenearsighted, adjectivenervous breakdown, nounnettle rash, nounneuralgia, nounneurosis, nounneurotic, adjectivenosebleed, nounnotifiable, adjectiveNSU, nounobesity, nounoff-colour, adjectiveoperate, verboperation, nounophthalmic, adjectiveophthalmology, noun-osis, suffixosteoarthritis, nounosteopathy, nounosteoporosis, nounoutpatient, nounoverbite, nounpacemaker, nounpaediatrics, nounpale, adjectivepallid, adjectivepallor, nounpalpitate, verbpalpitations, nounpalsy, nounpandemic, nounparalyse, verbparalysed, adjectiveparalysis, nounparalytic, adjectiveparalytic, nounparanoia, nounparaplegia, nounparaplegic, nounparasitic, adjectiveParkinson's disease, nounparoxysm, nounpasty, adjectivepasty-faced, adjectivepathogen, nounpathological, adjectivepathology, nounpeaked, adjectivepeaky, adjectivepellagra, nounpeptic ulcer, nounperforated, adjectiveperiod pain, nounperitonitis, nounpernicious anaemia, nounpersecution complex, nounpestilence, nounpestilential, adjectivepetit mal, nounpharyngitis, nounphlebitis, nounphlegm, noun-phobic, suffixphysiotherapy, nounpigeon-toed, adjectivepins and needles, nounplacebo, nounplague, nounplaque, nounplaster cast, nounpleurisy, nounPMS, nounPMT, nounpneumonia, nounpockmark, nounpockmarked, adjectivepoisoning, nounpolio, nounpolyp, nounpoor, adjectivepost-traumatic stress disorder, nounpremenstrual tension, nounprescribe, verbprescription, nounpreventive medicine, nounprickle, verbprickly heat, nounprognosis, nounprolapse, nounprophylactic, adjectiveprophylactic, nounprophylaxis, nounpsoriasis, nounpsychopath, nounpsychosis, nounpsychosomatic, adjectivepsychotic, adjectivepuffy, adjectivepull, verbpurulent, adjectivepus, nounpustule, nounqueasy, adjectiverabid, adjectiverabies, nounradiation sickness, nounradiography, nounrash, nounraw, adjectivereact, verbreaction, nounreceive, verbrecuperate, verbrecuperative, adjectiveregurgitate, verbrelapse, verbremission, nounrepetitive strain injury, nounresistance, nounrespond, verbretch, verbRhesus factor, nounrheumatic, adjectiverheumatic fever, nounrheumatism, nounrheumatoid arthritis, nounrickets, nounringworm, nounRSI, nounrubella, nounrun-down, adjectiverunny, adjectiverupture, nounsaddle-sore, adjectivesalmonella, nounscab, nounscabby, adjectivescabies, nounscald, verbscald, nounscaly, adjectivescar, nounscar, verbscarlet fever, nounschizophrenia, nounsciatica, nounsclerosis, nounscrape, verbscrape, nounscratch, nounscurvy, nounseasick, adjectiveseizure, nounself-examination, nounsenile, adjectivesenile dementia, nounsenseless, adjectivesepsis, nounseptic, adjectivesepticaemia, nounserum, nounset, verbsexually transmitted disease, nounshell shock, nounshell-shocked, adjectiveshingles, nounshock, nounshort-sighted, adjectivesickle-cell anaemia, nounsickly, adjectivesickness, nounside effect, nounsightless, adjectivesimple fracture, nounsleeping sickness, nounslipped disc, nounsmallpox, nounsnakebite, nounsnow blindness, nounsore, adjectivesore, nounspastic, adjectivespecial needs, nounspecimen, nounspina bifida, nounsprain, verbsputum, nounsquint, verbsquint, nounstammer, nounstarvation, nounstarve, verbSTD, nounstomachache, nounstone, nounstrain, nounstrain, verbstrangulated, adjectivestrep throat, nounstroke, nounsty, nounsuccumb, verbsufferer, nounsunstroke, nounsuperbug, nounsurgical, adjectiveswelling, nounswollen, adjectivesymptom, nounsymptomatic, adjectivesyndrome, nounsyphilis, nounTB, nountear, verbtetanus, nountherapeutic, adjectivetherapy, nounthrombosis, nounthrush, nountic, nountight, adjectivetingle, verbtinnitus, nountipsy, adjectivetonsillitis, nountoothache, nountorment, nountourniquet, nountoxaemia, nountoxic shock syndrome, nountraction, nountransfusion, nountrauma, nountravel sickness, nountreatment, nountremor, nountuberculosis, nountumour, nountunnel vision, nountwinge, nountwitch, nountyphoid, nountyphus, nounulcer, nounulcerate, verbultrasound, noununderweight, adjectiveundressed, adjectiveunhealthy, adjectiveuntreated, adjectivevaccinate, verbvaccine, nounvaricose veins, nounVD, nounvenereal disease, nounverruca, nounvertigo, nounviral, adjectivevirology, nounvirulent, adjectivevomit, verbvomit, nounwart, nounweak, adjectiveweal, nounweep, verbwheeze, verbwheeze, nounwheezy, adjectivewhiplash, nounwhooping cough, nounwind, nounwithered, adjectivewound, nounwrench, verbwriter's cramp, nounyaws, nounyeast infection, nounyellow fever, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY The jacket is rather a tight fit (=it fits too tightly). She tied the rope around the post and pulled it tight. His mother kept a tight hold on his hand. The government is keeping tight control on immigration. Security is always tight for the opening day of parliament. Money was tight and he needed a job badly. As you know, I run the magazine on a pretty tight budget. Time is tight, and she has another meeting to go to this afternoon. As usual, his schedule on Saturday was tight (=he had arranged to do several things in a short time). I'm working to a very tight deadline (=I have to finish a piece of work very quickly). Six in the car will be a tight squeeze.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES I managed to get everything into the suitcase, but it was a tight fit. Hold on tight! I’m going to be working to a very tight schedule (=including a lot of things that must be done in a short time). This puts the chairman in a very tight spot. I hope you can help get me out of a tight spot.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADVERB
The jacket is rather a tight fit (=it fits too tightly). She tied the rope around the post and pulled it tight. His mother kept a tight hold on his hand. The government is keeping tight control on immigration. (=control it very firmly) The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power. Anna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings.
The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power. Anna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings. Security is always tight for the opening day of parliament. (=manage a company, organization etc strictly and effectively)
Money was tight and he needed a job badly. As you know, I run the magazine on a pretty tight budget. Time is tight, and she has another meeting to go to this afternoon. As usual, his schedule on Saturday was tight (=he had arranged to do several things in a short time). I'm working to a very tight deadline (=I have to finish a piece of work very quickly). Six in the car will be a tight squeeze. (=a curve that changes direction suddenly)· That road sign means you are approaching a sharp bend.
(=small and limited)· Most young people have to live within a tight budget.
(=where all the people know each other)· I live in a close-knit community where there's lots of support.
(=a strict limit)· They were operating within tight financial constraints.
(=strict controls) the introduction of tighter controls on immigration
the introduction of tighter controls on immigration (=very curved and difficult to drive around)· Go slowly because there’s a sharp corner up ahead.
(=curves that are very close together)· Her dark hair was arranged in tight curls.
(=one that turns suddenly in another direction)· There's a tight curve in the road up ahead.
(=one that is difficult because it does not allow much time to do something)· As a journalist, you have to be able to work to tight deadlines.
I managed to get everything into the suitcase, but it was a tight fit.· The streets were crowded and she kept a tight grip on her bag.
Hold on tight!· Rose had a tight hold of her hand.
· The knot in my shoelaces is really tight.
· Most people were predicting a close race.
I’m going to be working to a very tight schedule (=including a lot of things that must be done in a short time). (=good security, so that something is very safe)· The event passed off peacefully, amid tight security.
· He went on sobbing, his eyes tight shut.
written (=when you are not really happy or friendly)· As he stepped past Carson he gave a quick, tight smile of acknowledgement.
This puts the chairman in a very tight spot. I hope you can help get me out of a tight spot.· Make sure that stockings or tights as well as shoes are not too tight.· The head twists out as if the skin is wearing an old fashioned collar that's too tight for comfort.· Buying a size larger just because the shoes feel too tight only means a narrow shoe that slips off!· Jean-Paul glanced down at his own suit, which was too tight for him, and damned uncomfortable.· We wedged it in place firmly, but not too tight against the lintel, leaving room for adjustment.· Always wear the right clothing for the activity you choose - clothing worn too tight can hinder circulation.
· You can lace up tight for the next couple of weeks and try to act normal.· He curled up tight and slept better than he had done all year.· You were rolled up tight as a mummy in canvas, then water was poured on it.· But he kept his mouth buttoned up tight.· Pike took off the peaked cap and tucked it inside his overall which he then zipped up tight to the neck.· Or paper bags tied up tight at the neck.· When fate marks you down for immortality you'd just better bite the bullet and lace your boots up tight.
NOUN· She curled up in a tight ball as though to stop herself from breaking apart.· Frankie climbed into bed, curled himself into a tight ball and pulled the covers up over his head.· I crawl into my sleeping bag and curl up in a tight ball.· She could feel that the muscles in her stomach were clenched into a tight ball.· The Princesse crumpled the telegram into a tight ball.
· The government would end price controls and subsidies to industry, and impose tight budgets and curbs on welfare spending.· And, Tom was working on a tight budget.· We had a really tight budget and we feared the cost of turning it into a home was way beyond our means.· Some may experience considerable pressure to meet technical or scientific goals within a short time or within a tight budget.· Working on a tight budget, we opted for more on-board memory at the expense of a large capacity harddisk.· The panel wanted to make the new drugs accessible to poor Texans but was faced with a tight budget.· The competition set a fairly tight budget so Julia decided to mix second-hand clothes with new ones.· But because of the general economic climate, you may still feel as though you must manage on a tight budget.
· At no time did the abbey relinquish to these groups any of its tight control over economic life.· Firecracker reacted to the tight control on his whereabouts by trying to elude his protectors.· But Ickes, through his tight control over time and money, is doing his bit too.· Margret Rey, who kept tight control over the vast franchise, died just before Christmas at the age of 90.· And keep a tight control of your budget.· Now, plainly, tighter controls on vehicles entering the City are essential.· The tight control on public sector pay is crucial and underlines the fact that the Government intends to practise what it preaches.
· However, the cover is very easily removed if you need to get into a tight corner.· The drivers roared round tight corners and skilfully navigated a twisty, bendy and muddy course.· They get the argument out of a tight corner, and make for a less fatalistic scenario.· However, employers could find themselves in a tight corner if they attempted to increase employee contributions or reduce benefits.· The plate can be moved from side to side and backwards for tight corners.· The moment he emerged on to a flat stretch of road after negotiating a particularly tight corner the explanation was obvious.· It was a typical women's downhill course: relatively low-speed, but extremely technical with tight corners.· And now here was I in a tight corner and was I going to use violence?
· A strong background in quantitative analysis, careful attention to detail and an ability to work to tight deadlines are essential skills.· Thus he is confident of meeting the very tight deadlines for the Virgin order.· He interpreted Henry's wishes to the craftsmen and saw that tight deadlines were met.· Recruitment always operates to tight deadlines, such as catching the last post.· But working to scale from a cartoon drawing and meeting a tight deadline posed problems for the sculpture's designer.
· Raiders owner Al Davis then switched Williams to tight end during training camp.· Rookie tight end Rickey Dudley has to be more involved with the passing game.· They throw to the tight end same way we do.· After finally agreeing to report to the Green Bay Packers, the tight end found himself a forgotten man.· Bucs tight end Jackie Harris sustained a groin pull and sat out the second half.· You could be a tight end, maybe a linebacker.· I made the move to tight end to help the team, and now I just want to contribute.· Johnson started the winning drive with a 16-yard completion to tight end Andrew Glover.
· After turning the Disc you have a tighter fit, but not necessarily a better one.· It was going to be a tight fit.· This tighter fit enables caffeine to plug the receptor, thus preventing adenosine from binding.· He got up as quickly as the tight fit of the table in the breakfast nook would allow.· We arrive in Paris, and make a tight fit into a tiny chambre de bonne in the Fifteenth Arrondissement.
· The humans had grown their winter coats, and the high buildings trembled in the tight grip of their stress equations.· Apple, however, kept a tight grip on its technology and suffered the consequences.· The best way for the government to achieve this is to keep a tight grip on the tigerish tendencies of the economy.· The tight grip of the Gascon nobility on the Church served their dynastic interests well.· He got the ends of the belt around his hands and wound them into a good, tight grip.· In Pomerania this reaction took the form of an even tighter grip on the feudal peasantry and serfs of the great estates.· Outside in her car she kept a tight grip on herself, refusing to let her humiliation reduce her to tears.· Anybody who thought that Bath's tight grip on the Pilkington Cup was over had better think again.
· She would be keeping a tight hold on her feelings from now on.· We got up, he pushed me roughly towards the door, keeping a tight hold of me.· He had a tight hold on the audience, totally in command of his band.· Philip gripped tight hold of Caspar's collar.· The tight hold was maintained by Thatcher's government.· For Winnie herself, it required the tightest hold, the fumes of the stuff, to keep her wits about her.· Keep tight hold and continue while there's time.· It should not be imagined that the tiny Party élite at either of these provincial levels could maintain a tight hold.
· Ice-cold, shocked, her stomach a tight knot of abject terror, Polly gazed wildly around her.· He loosened the tight knot round his throat.· She sat there, eyes glowing, twisting her handkerchief into a tight knot.· She hurriedly tidied her hair, pulling it back until it hurt and securing the tight knot with pins.· There was a tight knot of anger in her stomach.
· The combination of tight money and high debt is causing more than token distress.· The parallels with the years since 1988, also characterized by strong deflationary pressure and tight money, are apparent.
· Non-executive directors would keep executives on a tight rein.· Apart from anything else, it would be necessary to keep Hilary Todd on a tight rein.· I tend to keep a tight rein at first, and gradually relax as I get to know them.· Her only chance of survival, she felt, was to keep a tight rein over her feelings and words.
· Mr Stoiber has been in the forefront of those calling for tighter restrictions on asylum-seekers and ordinary immigrants.· The rest will be open to exploration companies under tight restrictions.· But under a voluntary agreement, the parent retains parental responsibility, and tight restrictions should only apply in extreme circumstances.
· It was an alarmingly tight schedule.· More than two-thirds were businessmen who travel on tight schedules and pay high fares.· Visiting a school in Doncaster in December 1989, Charles was on another very tight schedule, again with BitC.· The scrutiny process as a tight schedule and is in four parts: investigation; action plan; implementation; implementation report.· Construction only began in mid-October and recent heavy rains have hampered the already tight schedule.· Renwick fell silent, too, calculating the tight schedule ahead.
· The promoters are promising tight security to prevent ravers leaving the site.· He was also starting to rebel against the tight security.· The confusions of war, the tight security covering the country, made communication difficult.· As I look back on it, the whole episode showed the need for tighter security screening.· Amid tight security, Francis Mullen and his younger brother James appeared before Liverpool city magistrates.· Statewide, $ 13 million was appropriated for tighter security at existing prisons.· Critics include the panel charged with reviewing how tighter security measures might affect freedoms and civil rights.
· There was no discipline problem there, to speak of, because the principal and teachers ran such a tight ship.
· I just smiled a tight smile.· John permitted himself a tight smile as he darted through the Strand's morning traffic.· The blonde struck a pose and fixed a tight smile on her immaculately made-up face.· She gives him a tight smile and wrinkles her nose.· As he stepped past Carson he gave a quick, tight smile of acknowledgement.· Only Jennifer White Dove replied to his greeting, with a tight smile.· There was a tight smile on her lips.
· I think also that three other Hearthwares shall come, in case we need to fight our way out of some tight spot.· He had been in many tight spots during his life, and guarding a warehouse did not trouble him unduly.· Eight extra bullets in a tight spot could mean the difference between life and death.· BThis is one of the tight spots of the restaurant business.· Drawbacks are the introduction of a bit more slop in the system and the potential for reduced access in tight spots.· Or a mite more forgiving in a tight spot?· You're in a tight spot.
· Pausing just before stepping out into view, she absorbed the scene with a tight squeeze inside her heart.· Despite the tight squeeze, the office has graced Borrego Springs with a personal touch over the decades.· Voice over Once inside, it was clear just what a tight squeeze it would be.· It was a tight squeeze and she tore her jacket.· If you do it would be a tight squeeze for you all in Tom's house.· There were only ninety of them, but it was a tight squeeze.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► keep a tight rein on somebody/something
- And now here was I in a tight corner and was I going to use violence?
- Did people in tight corners always turn to her?
- Drawbacks are the introduction of a bit more slop in the system and the potential for reduced access in tight spots.
- Eight extra bullets in a tight spot could mean the difference between life and death.
- However, employers could find themselves in a tight corner if they attempted to increase employee contributions or reduce benefits.
- Or a mite more forgiving in a tight spot?
- The better choice here is a crescent-pattern spanner which has angled jaws so that it can be reversed in tight corners.
- You're in a tight spot.
- The new business manager has a tight hold on the budget.
- Apple, however, kept a tight grip on its technology and suffered the consequences.
- Dominic crept carefully down the stairs, keeping a tight hold on the gleaming mahogany banister.
- He had a tight hold on the audience, totally in command of his band.
- It should not be imagined that the tiny Party élite at either of these provincial levels could maintain a tight hold.
- She would be keeping a tight hold on her feelings from now on.
- The best way for the government to achieve this is to keep a tight grip on the tigerish tendencies of the economy.
- The purge reflects the party leadership's concern with keeping a tight hold on the political reins.
- We got up, he pushed me roughly towards the door, keeping a tight hold of me.
- Just sit tight - I'll be there in ten minutes.
- You sit tight while I go and get some help.
- You might want to sit tight a few months and see what happens to the stock market.
- But Solomon sat tight in his rain barrel, and after the cossacks had left empty-handed, he made his escape.
- He might just sit tight inside the castle.
- Or the rabbits sit tight underground as they become cornered by the ferrets.
- She is loath to encourage folks to sit tight.
- Then city officials sat tight and hoped it would pay off.
- Through the summer runup in technology stock prices, executives at the on-line service provider sat tight.
- When an intruder approaches, the parents fly off and the chicks sit tight nomatterhow close it comes.
- You could head back to the Cities, just sit tight.
- Good night, kids. Sleep tight!
- I don't sleep tight so that's all right.
- With promises of endless ice cream when he awoke, Mama kissed her little son and bade him goodnight, sleep tight.
- BThis is one of the tight spots of the restaurant business.
- Drawbacks are the introduction of a bit more slop in the system and the potential for reduced access in tight spots.
- Eight extra bullets in a tight spot could mean the difference between life and death.
- He had been in many tight spots during his life, and guarding a warehouse did not trouble him unduly.
- I think also that three other Hearthwares shall come, in case we need to fight our way out of some tight spot.
- Or a mite more forgiving in a tight spot?
- You're in a tight spot.
- It'll be a tight squeeze, but you can ride in the back seat.
- Democratic plans for Medicare rely mostly on putting a squeeze on health care providers, such as hospitals and doctors.
- Descend steeply from Hor Point to a stile, then ascend to a squeeze gap.
- His hand came out and took hold of her ankle, gave it a squeeze and a shake.
- In summary, Warwickshire's batting is usually adequate as long as the bowlers are able to put a squeeze on the opposition.
- Pausing just before stepping out into view, she absorbed the scene with a tight squeeze inside her heart.
- She reached out a hand, gave mine a squeeze.
- She slipped her hand into his, and he gave it a squeeze before he released it.
- Whereas the bulk of industry faced higher costs and a squeeze on profits, the oil majors had a profit bonanza.
WORD FAMILYadverbtighttightlynountightnessadjectivetightverbtighten
1clothes tight clothes fit your body very closely, especially in a way that is uncomfortable OPP loose: tight jeans My shoes were so tight that I could hardly walk. The jacket is rather a tight fit (=it fits too tightly).2pulled/stretched firmly string, wire, cloth etc that is tight has been pulled or stretched firmly so that it is straight or cannot move: The bandage must be tight enough to stop the bleeding. She tied the rope around the post and pulled it tight.3attached firmly a screw, lid etc that is tight is firmly attached and difficult to move: Check that the screws are tight.4holding something firmly a tight hold/grip if you keep or have a tight hold on something, you hold it firmly: His mother kept a tight hold on his hand.5strict controlling something very strictly or firmly: The government is keeping tight control on immigration.keep a tight grip/hold/rein on something (=control it very firmly) The former dictator still keeps a tight grip on power. Anna was determined to keep a tight hold on her feelings. Security is always tight for the opening day of parliament.run/keep a tight ship (=manage a company, organization etc strictly and effectively)6little money if money is tight, you do not have enough of itmoney is tight/things are tight Money was tight and he needed a job badly. As you know, I run the magazine on a pretty tight budget.7little time if time is tight, it is difficult for you to do everything you need to do in the time available: Time is tight, and she has another meeting to go to this afternoon. We should arrive on time, but it’ll be tight. As usual, his schedule on Saturday was tight (=he had arranged to do several things in a short time). I'm working to a very tight deadline (=I have to finish a piece of work very quickly).8little space if space is tight, there is only just enough space to fit something into a placebe a tight squeeze/fit Six in the car will be a tight squeeze.9not generous informal not generous, or trying hard to avoid spending money: Don’t be so tight!10close together placed or standing closely together: The animal’s body was curled up in a tight little ball. She wore her hair in a tight bun.11close relationship a tight group of people, countries etc have a close relationship with each other SYN tight-knit: Together, the young film-makers formed a tight group. the tight bonds that had grown between them12bend/turn a tight bend or turn is very curved and turns quickly in another direction: Danny lost control on a tight bend, and the car ran off the road.13chest/stomach/throat if your chest, stomach, or throat feels tight, it feels painful and uncomfortable, because you are ill or worried: Before she went on stage her chest felt tight and her throat hurt.14expression/smile/voice a tight expression, smile, or voice shows that you are annoyed or worried SYN tight-lipped: ‘Look, I’m sorry ...,’ she said, forcing a tight smile.15difficult situation in a tight corner/spot informal in a difficult situation: He’s a good man to have around if ever you’re in a tight corner. ‘Did something go wrong?’ ‘Let’s just say I got into a bit of a tight spot.’16play/performance playing a piece of music or giving a performance very exactly and well, without any pauses or mistakes: The band gave a really tight performance. a tight, well-rehearsed production17game/competition a tight game, competition etc is one in which the teams, players etc play equally well, and it is not easy to win: The opening quarter of the game was very tight.18drunk [not before noun] old-fashioned informal drunk—tightness noun [uncountable] → airtight, watertight