Idiom B1 Informal

Tie the knot

To get married

Meaning

Tie the knot — To get married. It is a friendly, informal way of saying that two people are becoming husband and wife or entering into marriage.

Origin & History

This idiom comes from the ancient and widespread custom of symbolically binding a couple together at their wedding. In Celtic and several other traditions, this took the form of "handfasting", where the couple's hands were literally tied together with a cord or ribbon as part of the marriage ceremony — a practice that survives in some weddings today.

Knots have long symbolised union and a lasting bond across many cultures, making them a natural emblem of marriage. Drawing on this rich imagery, the figurative phrase "tie the knot", meaning to marry, became established in English by the 18th and 19th centuries and remains a popular, affectionate expression.

Example Sentences

SentenceContext
After ten years together, they finally decided to tie the knot.Long relationship
The couple plan to tie the knot next summer in a small country church.Wedding plans
My sister is tying the knot this weekend, so the whole family is travelling up.Family event
They tied the knot in a quiet ceremony with only close friends present.Intimate wedding
He proposed on holiday, and they hope to tie the knot within the year.Engagement
After dating for years, the pair finally tied the knot abroad.Destination wedding

How to Use It

This idiom is informal and warm, ideal for conversation, social posts, and friendly writing about weddings and relationships. It is usually used with the verb tie in its various forms, as in tie the knot, tied the knot, or tying the knot. It works well in celebratory contexts, but in formal or legal documents you should use a plain word such as marry instead.

Common Mistakes

Mistakes to Avoid

They are planning to tie the knots next year.

They are planning to tie the knot next year. — 'Knot' is always singular in this idiom.

The couple decided to tie up the knot.

The couple decided to tie the knot. — Do not add 'up'; the phrase is simply 'tie the knot'.

She tied a knot with her partner last spring.

She tied the knot with her partner last spring. — Use 'the', not 'a'; the article is fixed.

Similar Idioms

Walk down the aisle Get hitched Settle down Pop the question All Idioms →

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does "Tie the knot" mean?
"Tie the knot" means to get married. It is a friendly, informal way of saying that two people are becoming husband and wife or entering into marriage.
Where does the idiom "Tie the knot" come from?
It comes from the ancient and widespread custom of symbolically binding a couple together. This includes 'handfasting', where the couple's hands were tied together during the wedding in Celtic and other traditions, and knot symbolism for marriage across many cultures. The figurative meaning of marrying was established in English by the 18th and 19th centuries.
Can you give an example of "Tie the knot" in a sentence?
Here is an example: "After ten years together, they finally decided to tie the knot." — used to say that a couple is getting married.
Is "Tie the knot" formal or informal?
It is informal. It is common in everyday conversation, friendly writing, and celebratory contexts, but in formal documents you would use a plain word such as 'marry' instead.
What CEFR level is "Tie the knot"?
This idiom is typically taught at B1 level. It is an intermediate expression that appears frequently in spoken English and informal writing about relationships and weddings.
What are common mistakes with "Tie the knot"?
A common mistake is making 'knot' plural, as in 'tie the knots'. The fixed form is 'tie the knot'. Another error is adding 'up', as in 'tie up the knot', which is not the idiom.
What idioms are similar to "Tie the knot"?
Similar idioms include: Walk down the aisle, Get hitched, Settle down, Pop the question. These all relate to marriage, engagement, or starting married life.
How do I practise idioms like "Tie the knot"?
LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles exercises are great for practising English idioms. Try writing your own example sentences using the idiom in context, and listen for it in films, podcasts, and conversations.
Can "Tie the knot" be used in writing?
Yes, in informal writing such as social posts, friendly messages, blogs, and lifestyle articles. In formal or legal writing, use a plain word like 'marry' instead.
Does "Tie the knot" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, "Tie the knot" is understood in both British and American English with the same meaning: to get married. The idiom is widely recognised across all major varieties of English.