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in tow

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in tow

closely following; under someone's control. The nanny walked into the park with three children in tow. The manager went to the meeting with her staff in tow.

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in tow

following or going along under someone's control She usually goes shopping with her three children in tow.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of a vehicle or ship in tow (being pulled with a rope or chain)

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in tow

if you have someone in tow, you have them with you She arrived with six small children in tow.

See toe the line

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in tow

In one's charge or close guidance; along with one. For example, The older girl took the new student in tow, or Peter always had his family in tow. This expression alludes to the literal meaning of being pulled along. [Early 1700s]

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in tow

1. In a condition of being towed: a car with a trailer in tow.

2. Under close guidance; in one's charge: The new student was taken in tow by a peer counselor.

3. As a companion or follower: came to dinner with a friend in tow.

See also: tow