cinch up

[ovvpapatya]

He replied as he cinched up his rucksack.

What does "cinch up" mean?

 

[SoothingDave]

To close up, usually with some sort of drawstring.

 

[emsr2d2]

For info, a "cinched-in waist" is something used very often in women's fashion. It means that the waist part of a piece of clothing is pulled in tighter than the rest of the clothing, either as part of the fabric or sometimes with a belt.

See the images here for examples: Cinched-in waist

 

[Ouisch]

He tightened it using the straps and buckles to make it more close-fitting.

 

[emsr2d2]

Interesting differences in understanding there. My initial reaction would be to agree with the first poster that the person was closing the opening at the top of the rucksack, using the drawstring usually provided.

However, I think it's possible that Ouisch's explanation would work too, as I can't think of another verb which would describe the action of pulling on the straps and buckles to make it fit closer to his body.

 

[5jj]

I think that originally cinching was something to to with holding a saddle on a horse. By extension, it came to be something to do with holding a rucksack on a person.

 

[sunsunmoon]

cinch verb
[+ obj] US 1 : to fasten (something, such as a belt or strap) tightly around someone or something
▪ He cinched his belt. ▪ The coat is cinched at the waist. ▪ The rider cinched the saddle.

How do the sentences below sound to you?
▪ He cinched up his belt. ▪ The coat is cinched up at the waist. ▪ The rider cinched up the saddle.