The spelling of the phrase "tight as tick" is quite interesting. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be transcribed as /taɪt æz tɪk/. The reason for the spelling is that "tight" is pronounced with a long "i" sound, and "as" is pronounced with a short "a" sound. "Tick" is pronounced with a short "i" sound, which creates a rhyme with "tight." Thus, the phrase is spelled as it is to reflect the sounds of the words when spoken aloud.
Tight as a tick is a colloquial expression used to describe something that is extremely tight, snug, or secure. The phrase draws an analogy to the way ticks attach themselves tightly to the skin of animals or humans when feeding on their blood. In this context, it implies that whatever is being described is firmly or securely in place, leaving no room for movement or looseness.
This expression is commonly used to describe clothing, particularly clothes that fit very closely to one's body, offering little room for comfort or freedom of movement. It can also be used to describe objects or mechanisms that are tightly secured or firmly fixed together, such as a tight jar lid or a tightly sealed package.
Furthermore, "tight as a tick" can also be used figuratively to describe a person's personality or behavior. It implies that someone is very frugal, stingy, or unwilling to spend money. It suggests that they hold onto their resources closely, like a tick clinging tightly to its host, unwilling to let go.
Overall, "tight as a tick" conveys the idea of something being tightly or securely attached or fastened, whether it be physical objects or non-material characteristics of people.