tangled

Everyday

1. Tangled means twisted together in a messy way that is hard to undo, like string, hair or wires. tree →
2. Tangled can mean complicated and confusing, like a tangled story. tree →
3. To get tangled up in something means to get caught in it or involved in it. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life tangled hair needs brushing and tangled headphones need untangling; in nature and safety lessons animals can get tangled in plastic or fishing line. Phrases: «tangled up», «get tangled», «a tangled mess».

Examples

• My headphones are all tangled. tree →
• She brushed her tangled hair. tree →
• The kite string got tangled in the tree. tree →
• Turtles can get tangled in fishing nets. tree →
• The story was a tangled web of lies. tree →
• The dog got tangled up in its lead. tree →
• Untangle the wool before you knit. tree →
• He fell into some tangled wood where he was held fast. tree →

Note

Regular. Opposite verb: untangle. Saying: «Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive» — lies get more and more complicated.

In Jewish tradition

Nahum calls the enemy like tangled thorns that will be burned.

Interpretation. Tradition reads this as a picture of Nineveh's fall.

Examples

• For though they be like tangled thorns, and be drunken according to their drink, they shall be devoured as stubble fully dry. (Prophets NAM.1.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular. Opposite verb: untangle. Saying: «Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practise to deceive» — lies get more and more complicated.