Tongue ties, also known as ankyloglossia, is a condition in which the tongue is abnormally short and restricts movement. The term 'tongue ties' can also refer to a figure of speech in which someone is unable to express themselves due to being overwhelmed or embarrassed. In this crossword puzzle, the solution for the term 'tongue ties' is 'LACES', referring to the LACES that are used to tie up shoes. This metaphorically implies that the person is unable to express themselves due to being tied up by their own emotions.