bundle, sheaf, ream, tie in bundles, govern, manage, control
束 centers on gathering things together and binding them into a single unit: a bundle, sheaf, or ream. The ideas of governing, managing, and controlling extend naturally from the image of holding things tightly together.
束 is a pictograph of a bag or bundle tied at both ends, with the central 口 representing the gathered contents and the surrounding strokes the binding. The modern form preserves this bundled shape clearly.
The vertical stroke runs through a box-like middle, like a cord tied tightly around a bundle of sticks or papers. The whole shape looks like something gathered and bound together.
For ソク, imagine a sock used to tie a bundle of sticks: sock -> ソク, and the sock binds everything tightly.
promise; agreement; arrangement; one's word; contract; pact
restriction; restraint; binding; constraint
bundle; bunch; sheaf
bunch of flowers; bouquet
conclusion; resolution; settling (e.g. of a dispute); returning to normal
restraint; restriction; fetters; yoke; shackles
union; unity; solidarity
bundle of banknotes; stack of bills
bundle; control; management
costume; dress; attire
to tie up in a bundle (e.g. straw, hair, bills, letters); to bundle; to sheathe
promise; vow; engagement
dirt cheap; very cheap
verbal promise; one's word
uncertain; doubtful; unpromising
white clothing
black clothes
magnetic flux
promise; agreement; arrangement; one's word; contract; pact; appointment; engagement; date
bundle of His