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general::
Phrase(s): 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., Phrase(s): attach to someone
Fig. [for blame, importance, guilt, fault, etc.] to become "fixed" onto someone or an organization. • A lot of guilt attaches to Henry for his part in the plot. • Most of the blame for the accident attaches to Roger., Phrase(s): attach to something
[for something] to be meant to fit onto or into something. • This one attaches to this other one right at this point. • This part should have attached to the back of the desk, but it didn’t fit., Phrase(s): 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.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs