tangle
tan|gle /t'æŋgəl/ (tangles tangling tangled)
1 [N-COUNT] usu N of n
A tangle of something is a mass of it twisted together in an untidy way.
A tangle of wires is all that remains of the computer and phone systems...
2 [VERB] get/be V-ed in n, V-ed, V, V n, also get/be V-ed
If something is tangled or tangles, it becomes twisted together in an untidy way.
Animals get tangled in fishing nets and drown...
She tried to kick the pajamas loose, but they were tangled in the satin sheet...
Her hair tends to tangle...
He suggested that tangling fishing gear should be made a criminal offence.
3 [N-SING] oft N of n
You can refer to a confusing or complicated situation as a tangle.
I was thinking what a tangle we had got ourselves into.
4 [VERB] usu passive, get/be V-ed, V-ed
If ideas or situations are tangled, they become confused and complicated.
The themes get tangled in Mr. Mahfouz's epic storytelling...
You are currently in a muddle where financial and emotional concerns are tangled together.
● tangled [ADJ]
His personal life has become more tangled than ever.tangle up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] usu passive, get/be V-ed P in n, get/be V-ed P
If a person or thing is tangled up in something such as wire or ropes, they are caught or trapped in it.
Sheep kept getting tangled up in it and eventually the wire was removed...
The teeth are like razors. Once you get tangled up it will never let you go.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] usu passive, get/be V-ed P in/with n
If you are tangled up in a complicated or unpleasant situation, you are involved in it and cannot get free of it.
Politicians normally avoid getting tangled up in anything to do with their electorate's savings.
● tangled up [ADJ] v-link ADJ
For many days now Buddy and Joe had appeared to be more and more tangled up in secrets.
1 [N-COUNT] usu N of n
A tangle of something is a mass of it twisted together in an untidy way.
A tangle of wires is all that remains of the computer and phone systems...
2 [VERB] get/be V-ed in n, V-ed, V, V n, also get/be V-ed
If something is tangled or tangles, it becomes twisted together in an untidy way.
Animals get tangled in fishing nets and drown...
She tried to kick the pajamas loose, but they were tangled in the satin sheet...
Her hair tends to tangle...
He suggested that tangling fishing gear should be made a criminal offence.
3 [N-SING] oft N of n
You can refer to a confusing or complicated situation as a tangle.
I was thinking what a tangle we had got ourselves into.
4 [VERB] usu passive, get/be V-ed, V-ed
If ideas or situations are tangled, they become confused and complicated.
The themes get tangled in Mr. Mahfouz's epic storytelling...
You are currently in a muddle where financial and emotional concerns are tangled together.
● tangled [ADJ]
His personal life has become more tangled than ever.tangle up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] usu passive, get/be V-ed P in n, get/be V-ed P
If a person or thing is tangled up in something such as wire or ropes, they are caught or trapped in it.
Sheep kept getting tangled up in it and eventually the wire was removed...
The teeth are like razors. Once you get tangled up it will never let you go.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] usu passive, get/be V-ed P in/with n
If you are tangled up in a complicated or unpleasant situation, you are involved in it and cannot get free of it.
Politicians normally avoid getting tangled up in anything to do with their electorate's savings.
● tangled up [ADJ] v-link ADJ
For many days now Buddy and Joe had appeared to be more and more tangled up in secrets.