bind over

verb

1. (tr, adverb) to place (a person) under a legal obligation, such as one to keep the peace

Idioms and Phrases

Oblige someone to do or not do something; hold on bail or keep under bond. For example, The sheriff will bind over the murder suspect to the homicide division. This phrase is nearly always used in a legal context. [Late 1500s]

Example Sentences

Meanwhile, course regulations said to bolster diversity in thought place professors in a confusing bind over the content they can teach and problematic ideas they must entertain in class.

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A municipal judge had found probable cause to bind over Watts’ case.

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House Republicans were able to put Biden and Senate Democrats in a political bind over the criminal code revision.

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Morrison has been in a political bind over climate change.

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The country is divided on the impeachment questions, putting Democratic lawmakers from conservative-leaning districts in a bind over the vote.

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