- tight
- I UK [taɪt] / US
adjective
Word forms "tight":
adjective tight comparative tighter superlative tightest
**
1)a) clothes that are tight are close against your body when you wear thema tight skirt/dress
b) used about clothes that are uncomfortable because they are so close against your bodyThe first hat was a bit tight.
2)a) a tight hold or grip is very firm and strongShe hugged Marco in a tight grip.
b) firmly fastened in a particular positionShe had twisted her hair into a tight knot.
The screw was so tight I couldn't turn it.
3) something such as cloth or rope that is tight is stretched so that it is completely straight or flat4)a) controlled very carefully and strictlySecurity has been very tight throughout the Prince's visit.
It was politically desirable to have a tight economic policy.
tight control of costs
b) done with a lot of skill and care so that mistakes are not madea tight performance by the cast
They kept things tight for the first half of the game.
5) if money is tight, you have only just enougha tight budget:money is tight/things are tight:holidays for people on a tight budget
Things will be a little tight for a few months.
a) if time is tight, you have so little time that it is difficult for you to do what you need toa tight schedule/deadline/timetable:If time is tight, cook the chicken the day before.
We're going to be working to a very tight schedule.
b) if space is tight, you have only just enougha tight squeeze (= a situation in which there is only just enough space):You can just about park here, but it's pretty tight.
It's a tight squeeze for all of you in our little house.
6) a tight voice or expression shows that you are nervous or annoyedHe gave her a tight smile.
7) if your chest or another part of your body feels tight, it feels as if it is being squeezedHis throat was too tight to allow the words to escape.
8) a tight angle is a very small angle that gives you very little space to do something9) a tight bend on a road is difficult to drive round because it curves a lot10) consisting of people or things that are very close togethera tight bundle of sticks
11) if a game is tight, both players or teams play well and it is difficult to know who will win12) a tight group of people have a close relationship with each other13) informal, showing disapproval someone who is tight likes to avoid spending money14) informal old-fashioned drunk•keep a tight grip/rein/hold on something
— to control something in a very strict wayThe company needs to keep a tight hold on costs this month.
a tight corner/spot/situation
— a difficult situationShe can usually talk her way out of tight corners.
Derived words:
tightly
adverbKeep the windows tightly closed.
The campaign had been tightly controlled from start to finish.
The skirt fits a little too tightly around the waist.
tightness
noun uncountable
II UK [taɪt] / US adverb
Word forms "tight":
comparative tighter superlative tightest
*
very firmlyshut/close something tight:hold (on) tight:She covered her ears and shut her eyes tight.
She held on tight to the railing.
tight against/across/around something:Hold on tight to the rope.
His left arm was jammed tight against the seat.
•See:sit, sleep I
English dictionary. 2014.
