bind over

British  

verb

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

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bind over Idioms  

1. 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]

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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.

From Salon • Jun. 7, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Jan. 11, 2024

Japanese currency authorities were likely left in a bind over the yen’s weakening, said Daisaku Ueno, chief forex strategist at Mitsubishi UFJ Morgan Stanley Securities.

From Reuters • Jun. 10, 2022

Mr. Obama is facing a double bind over the next two months with the deal pending.

From New York Times • Apr. 12, 2015

The word is from "religo," and signifies to bind over.

From The Christian Foundation, Or, Scientific and Religious Journal, Volume I, No. 11, November, 1880 by Walker, Aaron