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Tie the knot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’
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tie the knot

[taษช รฐษ™ nษ’t ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

wedding ceremony

To tie the knot means to get married. It is a common expression used to describe the act of entering into a marriage or committing to a lifelong partnership.

Synonyms

exchange vows, get married, say 'I do'.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tie the knot

Used informally to describe the act of getting married. It often conveys a sense of celebration or a significant life event.

  • After dating for six years, they decided to tie the knot in a beautiful beach ceremony.
  • We're so excited! Jake and Maria are finally tying the knot this weekend.
get married

A general, neutral term used to describe the act of entering into a marriage. It suits all forms of communication, both formal and informal.

  • They plan to get married next spring in a small, private ceremony.
  • After years of being together, they are finally getting married.
say 'I do'

Used to describe the moment during a wedding ceremony when each person agrees to the marriage. It often highlights the traditional and romantic aspect of a wedding.

  • She had tears in her eyes when he said 'I do'.
  • I can't wait to stand up there and say 'I do' in front of all our friends and family.
exchange vows

Typically used in the context of wedding ceremonies to describe the specific moment when the couple shares their promises and commitments to each other.

  • During the ceremony, they exchanged vows that they had written themselves.
  • The most emotional part of the wedding was when they exchanged vows.

Examples of usage

  • They decided to tie the knot after dating for five years.
  • Sarah and Tom are planning to tie the knot next summer.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, couples often perform rituals that involve tying knots or ropes, reinforcing the symbol of unity.
  • The phrase can also refer to the specific knot used in traditional wedding ceremonies, emphasizing the bond formed.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase has been popularized in countless films, songs, and literature, often featuring quirky interpretations of what marriage means.
  • TV shows frequently use 'tie the knot' to add humor to wedding episodes or relationship milestones.

Psychology

  • Research indicates that couples who participate in traditional wedding ceremonies may feel a stronger psychological bond post-ceremony due to shared experiences.
  • The act of marriage can influence identity and promote feelings of stability and belonging among partners.

History

  • Many ancient cultures believed in the sacredness of marriage, which often involved ceremonies intended to solidify bonds through physical symbols such as knotted cords.
  • Royal marriages historically strengthened kingdoms and alliances, and 'tying the knot' became a conventional way to describe these unions.

Origin of 'tie the knot'

Main points about word origin

  • The phrase 'tie the knot' is believed to have originated from the ancient practice of the 'handfasting' ceremony, where a coupleโ€™s hands were tied together symbolically.
  • Tying knots has been a significant ritual in various cultures for ages, often symbolizing union and commitment.

The origin of the phrase 'tie the knot' dates back to the ceremonial practice of handfasting, where couples would literally have their hands tied together with a cord or ribbon to symbolize their union. Over time, this ritual evolved into the modern-day expression we use to refer to getting married.