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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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She started a cleaning business during the pandemic, toddler in tow, but made only around $1,000 a month.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

I would read her texts and reply from Barnsdall, with a book recommendation of hers in tow, the note card of painted berries as its bookmark, or from the beach.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 20, 2026

All delightful prospects with a 10-year-old in tow.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

That was the word put to him time and again as he sat patiently, Sid Waddell Trophy in tow, at his post-final news conference.

From BBC • Jan. 4, 2026

Hemme stormed out of the room with Brandeur in tow.

From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.