attach oneself to
1. To connect two things. In this usage, an item is mentioned between "attach" and "to." Can you please attach this button to my sweater? Please be sure to attach a cover page to your report.
2. To connect oneself to something. In this usage, a reflexive pronoun is used between "attach" and "to." Please be sure to attach yourself to your luggage at the airport.
3. To involve oneself with another person or group—often in an overbearing way. In this usage, a reflexive pronoun is used between "attach" and "to." I hope my little cousins don't try to come with us—they're always attaching themselves to me, and it's so annoying.
4. To involve oneself with another person or group. In this usage, a reflexive pronoun is used between "attach" and "to." I heard that Jon has attached himself to a new lady—is that true? Teddy has attached himself to the drama club this semester.
5. To have an emotional connection to someone or something. This usage always uses the form "attached." I really miss my ex-boyfriend at Christmastime—I guess I'm still attached to him after all. I'm pretty attached to the idea of a tropical vacation—I've even been picturing myself on the beach! I tried to give away my daughter's childhood teddy bear, but apparently she's still quite attached to it.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
attach oneself to someone
1. Fig. to become emotionally involved with someone. Fred seems to have attached himself to a much older woman, who has captured his attention. Somehow, Susan has attached herself emotionally to Tom, and she is distraught over his being away.
2. Fig. to follow after someone; to become a constant companion to someone. Andy's little brother attached himself to Andy and his friends—much to Andy's distress. John attached himself to his older brother and drove him crazy.
attach oneself to something
1. Lit. to connect or secure oneself to something. During the storm, Tony attached himself to the helm and proceeded to steer the boat. The caterpillar attached itself to a branch and began to spin its cocoon.
2. Fig. to choose to associate with a particular thing, group, or organization. Ron attached himself to a volleyball team that practices at the school. The manager attached himself to the luncheon club and became a regular fixture there.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.