Meaning trap
tie up
finish the last details
To complete the final small tasks or details needed to finish something.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To complete the final small tasks or details needed to finish something.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- I just need to tie up a few loose ends before I can leave the office.work
- Before submitting my assignment, I always tie up any last-minute details to make sure everything is perfect.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: tie up (something) | tie (something) up
WrongLet me tie up with the last details.
RightLet me tie up the last details.
'Tie up' takes the object directly — no 'with'.
Patterntie up (something) | tie (something) up
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'Tie up loose ends' is the natural idiom for finishing the last bits; the formal version is heavy.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
tie up + loose endsloose endsthe last detailsa few thingsthe paperwork
Don't confuse it
Not the same as 'wrap up', which can mean to finish something in general. 'Tie up' focuses on the final details.