sew

sew (someone or something) up

1. To close an open wound in a person with stitches. We have to sew him up quickly after we're done repairing the bone. It turns out the doctors left a sponge inside my abdomen before sewing me back up.
2. To close one or multiple openings in something by sewing, especially in an attempt to repair or mend it. I had to use fishing line to sew up the hole in the sail. Would you mind sewing these pants up for me?
3. To successfully conclude or settle some dealing, activity, or endeavor. I was finally able to sew the contract up with the other firm. She seems to have sewn up a victory in the last days of the election.
4. To gain and maintain total control over something. There have been a few rival companies, but most would agree that they've sewn up the market at this point.
See also: sew, up
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

sew someone or something up

 
1. Lit. to stitch together an opening in someone or something. The surgeon sewed the patient up and pronounced the operation a success. This is torn. Can you sew up this rip?
2. Fig. to complete one's dealings with or discussion of someone or something. It's time to sew this up and go home. I think we can sew up the shipping contract this afternoon and get on to someone else. Let's sew up this last matter and go.
See also: sew, up

*sewed up

 
1. Lit. [the sewing of a gap in cloth] completed. (*Typically: get something ~; have something ~.) Have you got that tear sewed up yet?
2. and *wrapped up Fig. settled or finished. (*Typically: get something ~; have something ~.) I'll take the contract to the mayor tomorrow morning. I'll get the whole deal sewed up by noon. Don't worry about the car loan. I'll have it wrapped up in time to make the purchase.
See also: sew, up
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

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]
See also: sew, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

sew up

v.
1. To mend or repair something by sewing: I sewed up the tear in my pants. The tailor sewed the hole up.
2. To make certain that some victory or prize is attained or achieved: The candidate sewed up the election by winning Florida. We sewed the game up with a goal in the fourth quarter.
See also: sew, up
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.

sew something up

tv. to finalize something; to conclude something. (see also sewed up.) Let’s sew this up and get out of here.
See also: sew, something, up

sewed up

1. mod. completed. I’ve just about got this contract sewed up.
2. mod. alcohol intoxicated. She’s not just drunk; she’s sewed up.
See also: sew, up
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • sew (someone or something) up
  • sew something up
  • sew up
  • sewed up
  • be close to the bone
  • close to the bone
  • close to/near the bone
  • stitch up
  • heal up
  • have a bone on
References in periodicals archive
On the other hand, research suggests that the desire to retain control and influence over day-to-day operations is a top priority in family firms, as maintaining control is directly connected with the family's maintenance of its internal SEW agenda (Chrisman et al., 2012; Chrisman & Patel, 2012).
Socioemotional wealth conflict in family firms
Matching seam lines, sew a section 2 to each corner.
Square dance the ultimate stash buster!
She said anyone is welcome to join the open sew nights.
Sewing with passion; Group makes items for children in need
I wish I'd learned to sew years ago as I'd have saved a fortune in clothes.
We've got it sewn up thanks to machine; Real women Three women tell how their love of sewing allows them to make more than just clothes
Sew a button onto the top side of the opposite end of the ribbon.
GL's top 10: do-it-yourself gifts! It's a GL tradition, so why should this year be any different?
Sew the existing buttonhole closed and sew the button on top of it.
Easy dressing: MS style
"When they asked me to take part in Sewing Bee, I thought it wasn't a natural fit for me because I can't sew at all - and I don't think I can now, really!
DJ Gemma: I was sew scared - but look at me now! GREAT BRITISH SEWING BEE STAR'S WEIRD PHOBIA DIDN'T HELP..
Alison herself was taught to sew by an older relative.
Sew far sew good; REAL LIVES JADE WRIGHT finds out why cutting one''s cloth is back in fashion
Consequently, in her current sewing class on Tuesday mornings in Holmfirth Adult Education Centre there are women who say they had never previously been shown how to sew a hem or put a button on a jacket.
Picking up the threads again; Students have skills all stitched up in return of a useful craft Traditional sewing skills may have skipped a generation but they're now enjoying a revival. Hilarie Stelfox went along to a Holmfirth sewing class where everyone from young mums to retired professionals are learning how to sew
We extend the socioemotional wealth (SEW) perspective by arguing that SEW can be negatively associated with proactive stakeholder engagement (PSE).
Extending the socioemotional wealth perspective: a look at the dark side
"Anyone can sew, it is just a case of having the confidence."
Cafe culture with an itch to stitch; Needlework needed a new image - and seamstress Sheila-May Green had an idea brewing. Diane Parkes finds out why her cafe club is oh-sew special
Step three: If you want to add applique decorations to the stockings, now is the time to sew them on.
Stunning Santa stocking
"She said she wanted to learn how to sew," said Ms.
Threads of renewal; Sewing has come a long way from home ec
Leah Dixon was another winner for Glamorgan Valleys, edging out Jenna Roberts (SEW) and Leanne Fitzgerald (Cardiff & Vale) to take the Middle Girls title.
Valleys runners lead the way at championships