tangle up — to become twisted together or cause something to become twisted together in a confused mass
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to become twisted together or cause something to become twisted together in a confused mass
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈtæŋɡəl ʌp/
Example Sentences
- My earphones always get tangled up in my pocket like they're having a dance party.
- The fishing line got tangled up with the seaweed.
- She got tangled up in a complicated business deal.
tangle up
VERB[/ˈtæŋɡəl ʌp/]
to become twisted together or cause something to become twisted together in a confused mass
The fishing nets got tangled up after the storm.
The charging cables got tangled up under the desk. (🪢 Twisted + 🔀 Together → Tangle up)
The necklace got tangled up, then dangled and jangled as she walked.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word 'tangle' derives from Middle English 'tangilen', borrowed from Scandinavian sources. Originally used to describe seaweed or maritime materials becoming intertwined or knotted together.
Breakdown
tangle (to twist or intertwine) + up (completive particle meaning thoroughly or fully), forming a phrasal verb meaning to become completely entangled or twisted together.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My earphones always get tangled up in my pocket like they're having a dance party.”
“The fishing line got tangled up with the seaweed.”
“She got tangled up in a complicated business deal.”
“My cat managed to get tangled up in the yarn ball like a furry disaster.”
📚Related Words
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