in tow

1. 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]

Example Sentences

But when Oliver walks into the store, entourage in tow, Matthew makes a play to ingratiate himself with the pop star that goes better than he ever could’ve expected.

From Salon

Venice Beach carried all the traits of a party Sunday evening; 90s R&B tunes from DJs, social influencers — with tripods in tow — showing up to get a view of the basketball courts to find what the fuss was all about and enough flashing lights to grab any European tourist’s attention.

From Los Angeles Times

Cavanaugh tried to enter again a little later, this time with two FBI agents in tow.

From Salon

A single parent, his life descended into further chaos when he became homeless with his six-year-old son in tow.

From BBC

In this fictionalized version of British novelist Penelope Fitzgerald’s real-life trip to Saltillo, Mexico, in 1952, she arrives pregnant with her son Valpy in tow, hoping eccentric, elderly sisters might keep their promise to leave Valpy their silver mine.

From Los Angeles Times