Definition of tie in

The phrase "tie in" has two distinct meanings, originating from different sources in the English language. The first meaning of "tie in" refers to the act of coordinating or connecting related items. This usage of the term stems from the world of publishing and marketing, where it was first used in the 1920s. Initially, "tie in" referred specifically to the practice of publishing novels or short stories that featured characters or settings from successful films or TV shows, in order to capitalize on the popularity of those entertainments. In this sense, "tie in" implies that two or more related items are connected and presented as a unified experience. The second meaning of "tie in" refers to the act of consuming material in a specific order to derive maximum enjoyment from it. This usage of the term is often seen in the context of television programs, movies, books, or video games, where it is suggested that the audience should view or play them in a particular sequence in order to fully understand the plot or reconcile conflicting storylines. In this sense, "tie in" implies that the items are interconnected and that observing them in a predetermined order is necessary to appreciate their full significance. In both meanings, the etymology of "tie in" is related to the idea of a connection or link between objects. This could be interpreted as a metaphorical representation of how things are interwoven in the real world, whether through marketing strategies or the mechanics of storytelling.