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In Railroading, Tying Up Means Clocking Out for the Day

Zack, a railroad conductor in Omaha, Nebraska, wonders about a bit of jargon from his profession: tie up, meaning to “clock out,” or “leave work,” as in What time did you guys tie up yesterday? This usage is referenced in The Railway and Locomotive Historical Society Bulletin, and appears to have been borrowed from the language of shipping by boat. This is part of a complete episode.

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