in tow

Idioms  

1. In one's charge or close guidance; along with one. For example, The older girl took the new student in tow, or Peter always had his family in tow. This expression alludes to the literal meaning of being pulled along. [Early 1700s]

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Example Sentences

With his wife, their two children, and four suitcases in tow, he steps out into a river of frustrated drivers.

From Barron's • May 27, 2026

Pedestrians of all ages strolled by on the wide flat sidewalks, many with small dogs in tow.

From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026

The fourth was left to confront a frenzied media scrum alone, small children in tow, with the knowledge she could be next.

From BBC • May 8, 2026

On Sept. 29, 2020, Nancy Iskander was crossing the street in Westlake Village with her sons, 5, 8 and 11 years old, in tow.

From Los Angeles Times • May 1, 2026

On those nights Dad would end up in a shelter, while Mom would show up at Lori’s, Tinkle in tow.

From "The Glass Castle" by Jeannette Walls