bind by a contract

Meaning

This expression means to legally force someone to do or not do something through a signed agreement. It is most commonly used in the passive voice (e.g., 'to be bound by a contract'). It carries a serious, binding, and formal tone, emphasizing that there is no easy way to break the agreement without legal consequences.

Examples

• Once you sign these lease papers, you are legally bound by a contract to pay rent for the entire year.

  Once you sign these lease papers, you are legally bound by a contract to pay rent for the entire year.

• I wanted to leave the project early, but I was bound by a contract that required a three-month notice period.

  I wanted to leave the project early, but I was bound by a contract that required a three-month notice period.

• The agency cannot share your personal details because they are bound by a contract of confidentiality.

  The agency cannot share your personal details because they are bound by a contract of confidentiality.

• Before you invest, make sure you understand the terms that bind you by this contract.

  Before you invest, make sure you understand the terms that bind you by this contract.

• Both parties are bound by a contract, meaning neither can walk away without facing a substantial penalty.

  Both parties are bound by a contract, meaning neither can walk away without facing a substantial penalty.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I am binded by a contract to work here.

  ✓ I am bound by a contract to work here.

  Bind is an irregular verb. Its past tense and past participle form is 'bound', not 'binded'.

• ✗ The agreement binds me with a contract.

  ✓ The agreement binds me by a contract.

  The correct preposition to use with 'bind' in this legal context is 'by', not 'with'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• It is standard practice for the agency to ___ every new client.

  💡 To legally tie someone using a signed agreement.

  Show answer

  bind by a contract

• The legal department decided to ___ the new suppliers to ensure quality.

  💡 To secure a formal, legally enforceable commitment.

  Show answer

  bind by a contract