tie in knots

The idiom 'tie in knots' can describe both emotional turmoil and complicated situations, often stemming from one's actions or decisions.

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Definition

B2Everyday Conversation

(idiomatic, informal)To cause someone to feel anxious or emotionally distressed.

Example

The thought of public speaking ties me in knots.

B2Everyday Conversation

(idiomatic, informal)To create a complicated or problematic situation for oneself.

Example

He tied himself in knots trying to explain the mistake.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "tie in knots":

tied in knots tie oneself in knots tie in tie up tie the knot tie off tie to tie down tied up butterfly knot tie that binds tie in with slip knot water knot zip tie snarl up tight loop tie and dye fisherman's knot rope up bind up twist in the wind bound up true lover's knot string up jumble up twists and turns