tie oneself (up) in knots

idiom

1
: to cause problems for oneself from being too careful, trying too hard, etc.
The mayor tied himself in knots answering a touchy political question.
2
: to become very upset or worried
I don't know why they're tying themselves in knots over such a trivial problem.

Dictionary Entries Near tie oneself (up) in knots

tie-on

tie oneself (up) in knots

tie-out

Cite this Entry

“Tie oneself (up) in knots.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tie%20oneself%20%28up%29%20in%20knots. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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