26984 words

tighter

24 definitions • 45 examples
1
(held or kept together) firmly or closely:

Examples:

I can't untie the knot - it's too tight.
This lid is on very tight.
The people stood talking in tight groups.
Hold on tight when we go around the corner.
Check that windows and doors are shut tight (= completely closed) before you leave.
The plastic cover was stretched tight (= stretched as much as it could be) across the tank.
2
Clothes or shoes that are tight fit the body too closely and are uncomfortable:

Examples:

That jacket's too tight - you need a bigger size.
3
A tight feeling is an uncomfortable feeling of pressure in part of your body, caused by illness, fear, etc.:

Examples:

Some people experienced tight chests after exercising in areas of high pollution.
If you have any symptoms such as itchy mouth or tight throat after eating nuts, stop.
4
Tight muscles feel stiff and difficult to move:

Examples:

If you sit for long periods, it can make your hamstring muscles very tight on the back of your thighs.
5
looking or sounding as if you are angry, frightened, or nervous, and not relaxed:

Examples:

In a small, tight voice, she said, "Help me, please."
6
Tight controls or rules severely limit what can happen:

Examples:

Rules on what can be taken on board an aircraft have become tighter.
7
curving sharply, not gradually or loosely:

Examples:

tight bend He lost control of his car on a tight bend.
8
If a race, competition, election, etc. is tight, the people, teams, or organizations involved are of a similar standard and equally likely to be successful. :

Examples:

tight race The new governor was elected after an unexpectedly tight race.
The race was extremely tight with the lead changing twice in the last 250m.
9
If time or money is tight, there is only just enough of it:

Examples:

I'm sorry I can't stay for a chat, time's really tight.
They're raising three kids on one small salary so money is very tight.
10
unwilling to spend money:

Examples:

He was too tight to pay for a taxi so we had to walk.
11
having drunk too much alcohol:

Examples:

Jim, you're tight!
12
If two people are tight, they know each other very well and like each other a lot:

Examples:

The two of them were pretty tight at school.
13
If a group of musicians is tight or plays tight music, they play in a controlled way:

Examples:

The band was really tight tonight.
They specialize in tight, three-minute pop songs.
Expect one of the tightest musical performances you've ever seen.
14
(held or kept together) firmly or closely:

Examples:

You have to wrap the bandage tight enough so that it really supports your ankle.
Make sure the door is shut tight (= completely closed) before you leave.
15
Clothes that are tight fit the body closely, sometimes so closely that they are uncomfortable:

Examples:

These shoes feel a bit tight.
16
If you say about two people that they are tight, you mean they are close friends.
17
(esp. of time or money) available in limited amounts:

Examples:

Arnold has a very tight schedule today and I don’t know if he can see you.
We’re on a tight budget and can’t afford to eat out much.
Parking is very tight on weekdays around here.
18

Examples:

Security was tight at the meeting between the two leaders.
19
(of situations) difficult or hard to deal with:

Examples:

We were in a tight financial situation.
I was in a tight spot (= difficult situation) and wasn’t sure what I should do.
20
In a competition, tight means close, with the competitors almost even:

Examples:

He was involved in a very tight race for governor.
22
if money or time is tight, there is only just enough of it:

Examples:

Finances are tight and no university has spare cash.
tight budget/deadline/schedule We're working to a very tight schedule.
23
if there is a tight market, there is not as much of something available as is wanted or needed:

Examples:

They should not restrict so much land in an already tight and overpriced housing market.
A tight labor market is an employer's nightmare.
24
to control something, especially spending, in a very careful way:

Examples:

The chancellor was urged to keep a tight rein on public finances.

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