Tangle
/ˈtæŋɡəl/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo twist together or become intertwined in a confused mass.
/ˈtæŋɡəl/
To twist together into a confused mass.
The kite string tangled in the tree.
💡 Simply: Imagine you have a bunch of string and you accidentally pull it all into a messy knot. That's a tangle! It's like your shoelaces when you forget to tie them properly.
👶 For kids: When things get all mixed up and twisted together, like yarn or your hair!
More Examples
He tried to untangle the fishing line.
Her hair was tangled after the windstorm.
How It's Used
"My headphones always tangle in my pocket."
"The ivy began to tangle over the fence."
A confused mass of things twisted or knotted together.
/ˈtæŋɡəl/
A confused mass of something twisted together.
The fishing line was a tangle of knots.
💡 Simply: Imagine a big, messy knot. Or all your toys jumbled together. That's a tangle!
👶 For kids: A big messy knot of things all mixed up!
More Examples
She struggled to undo the tangle of wires.
The forest floor was a tangle of roots and vines.
How It's Used
"The cat's fur was a tangled mess."
"A tangle of conflicting emotions overwhelmed her."
To involve (someone) in a difficult situation.
/ˈtæŋɡəl/
To involve someone in a difficult situation.
She didn't want to tangle with her rival in the competition.
💡 Simply: Imagine you accidentally get involved in a problem you can't easily get out of. It's like getting wrapped up in something you don't want to be in. Getting involved in a tricky situation!
👶 For kids: To get someone in a tricky situation
More Examples
He was reluctant to tangle with the corrupt officials.
The company was tangled in a legal dispute.
How It's Used
"He was unwilling to tangle with the authorities."
"The scandal threatened to tangle the politician in a web of accusations."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
tangled up in
To be involved in or preoccupied with something.
"He was completely tangled up in his work and forgot to eat lunch."
From Middle English tanglen, from Old English *tanglian, frequentative of tang (to touch, seize). Related to Old Norse tangi (tongs).
The word 'tangle' has been used since Middle English to describe a confused or intertwined state of things.
Memory tip
Think of the way yarn gets all twisted up when you try to knit – it's a tangle!
Word Origin
"to touch, seize"