sew up

sew  (s)

v. sewed, sewn (sn) or sewed, sew·ing, sews

v.tr.

1. To make, repair, or fasten by stitching, as with a needle and thread or a sewing machine: sew a dress; sew on a button.

2. To furnish with stitches for the purpose of closing, fastening, or attaching: sew an incision closed.

v.intr.

To work with a needle and thread or with a sewing machine.

Phrasal Verb:

sew up Informal

1. To complete successfully: Our team has sewn up the championship.

2. To gain complete control of; monopolize.

3. To make sure of: campaign strategists who were trying to sew up the election results.

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[Middle English sewen, from Old English seowian; see sy- in Indo-European roots.]

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sewa·ble adj.

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sew up

Verb

1. to fasten or mend completely by sewing

2. Informal to complete or negotiate successfully: the deal was sewn up just before the deadline