sew1
- to join or attach by stitches.
- to make, repair, etc., (a garment) by such means.
- to enclose or secure with stitches: to sew flour in a bag.
- to close (a hole, wound, etc.) by means of stitches (usually followed by up).
- to work with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine.
- sew up,
- Informal.to get or have a monopoly of; control exclusively.
- Informal.to complete or conclude (arrangements, negotiations, etc.) successfully: They were about to sew up the deal when the argument started.
- to gain or be assured of: He tried to sew up as many votes as possible before the convention.
Origin of sew1
sew up
- to fasten or mend completely by sewing
- US to acquire sole use or control of
- informal to complete or negotiate successfullyto sew up a deal
sew
- to join or decorate (pieces of fabric, etc) by means of a thread repeatedly passed through with a needle or similar implement
- (tr; often foll by on or up) to attach, fasten, or close by sewing
- (tr) to make (a garment, etc) by sewing
Word Origin
Word Origin and History for sew up
sew
v.
Old English siwian "to stitch, sew, mend, patch, knit together," earlier siowian, from Proto-Germanic *siwjanan (cf. Old Norse syja, Swedish sy, Danish sye, Old Frisian sia, Old High German siuwan, Gothic siujan "to sew"), from PIE root *syu- "to bind, sew" (cf. Sanskrit sivyati "sews," sutram "thread, string;" Greek hymen "thin skin, membrane," hymnos "song;" Latin suere "to sew, sew together;" Old Church Slavonic šijo "to sew," šivu "seam;" Lettish siuviu, siuti "to sew," siuvikis "tailor;" Russian švec "tailor"). Related: Sewed; sewing. To sew (something) up "bring it to a conclusion" is a figurative use attested by 1904.
Idioms and Phrases with sew up
sew up
1
Complete successfully, as in Our team has sewn up the championship. [Colloquial; c. 1900]
2
Gain complete control of, monopolize, as in Our restaurant hopes to sew up the town's takeout business. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]