tie someone down

(phrasal verb) to restrict someone, to prevent someone from leaving or doing what they want to do

Example Sentences:

Boss: Do you have plans tonight?
Employee: No, not really.
Boss: I don’t want to tie you down, but could you stay for a few extra hours so we can finish these TPS reports?
Employee: I guess so.

I never sign a long lease on my apartments, because I don’t want them tying me down. I like to be able to leave whenever I want!

The 40-year-old man felt tied down by his wife and kids, so he left home to join the circus.

Similar idioms:

1. leave it to me
2. tie the knot
3. cooped up
4. take a dig at someone
5. hit the road