English edit

Etymology edit

Dates back to a 1782 Christian hymn titled "Blessed Be the Tie that Binds" by John Fawcett.

Noun edit

tie that binds (plural ties that bind)

  1. (figuratively) Something shared between two or more people, such as an interest, hobby, or experience, that causes their relationship with each other to strengthen.
  2. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see tie,‎ bind.