To fasten with a cinch…. Hence, to have a man “in a tight place.”
1875. A man who is hurt in a mining transaction is “cinched.” [San Francisco localism.]—S. Williams, ‘The City of the Golden Gate,’ Scribner’s Mag., x. p. 277 (July). (N.E.D.)
1878. Saddles are carefully set, and mules “cinched” with these mountain girths, eight inches wide, until it seems they can scarcely breathe; for we are to have perils of water and mountain—perils by the way.—J. H. Beadle, ‘Western Wilds,’ p. 156.
1878. With all set, and everything tightly “cinched,” we took the start with guide in front.—Id., p. 152.
