tangle

[[t]tæ̱ŋg(ə)l[/t]]

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...

There he stood: hair in wild tangles, dark stubble shadowing his chin.

2) V-ERG If something is tangled or tangles, it becomes twisted together in an untidy way.

[get/be V-ed in n] Animals get tangled in fishing nets and drown...

[V-ed] She tried to kick the pajamas loose, but they were tangled in the satin sheet...

[V-ed] Lee and I fell in a tangled heap...

Her hair tends to tangle...

[V n] He suggested that tangling fishing gear should be made a criminal offence. [Also get/be V-ed]

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.

...the tangle of domestic politics.

4) VERB: usu passive If ideas or situations are tangled, they become confused and complicated.

[get/be V-ed] The themes get tangled in Mr. Mahfouz's elliptical storytelling...

[V-ed] You are currently in a quagmire where financial and emotional concerns are tangled together.

Derived words:

tangled ADJ-GRADED

His personal life has become more tangled than ever.

5) a tangled web → see web

Phrasal Verbs:

- tangle up

- tangle with