The word "tangled with" is spelled as /ˈtæŋ.ɡəld wɪð/. The first syllable "tan" is pronounced as "tang" with a short 'a' sound, followed by a soft 'g' and an 'l' sound. The second syllable "gled" is pronounced like "gul" with a 'd' at the end. The word "with" is pronounced as "wɪð" with a short 'i' sound and a soft 'th' at the end. This phrase refers to a situation where two people, things, or ideas are mixed or interwoven together, causing confusion or difficulty.
The phrase "tangled with" is a verb phrase that refers to a confrontation or conflict encountered by an individual or entity. It typically describes a situation where someone becomes involved in a messy, complicated, or challenging situation, often involving physical or verbal altercations or disputes. It suggests an engagement with an opponent, usually in a confrontational or competitive context.
When someone "tangles with" someone or something, they are putting themselves in a position where conflicts, difficulties, or obstacles are likely to arise. It implies an active participation in a struggle, confrontation, or dispute. This can occur in various contexts, such as a physical fight, a heated argument, a business rivalry, or a legal dispute.
The phrase also conveys a sense of entanglement or ensnarement, as if one is caught up in a complicated or messy situation that is difficult to extract oneself from easily. It implies a lack of simplicity or straightforwardness and suggests that navigating through such a situation may be time-consuming, challenging, or even risky.
In summary, "tangled with" describes a situation where someone confronts or engages with someone or something, usually in a confrontational or competitive manner, resulting in a complicated or messy entanglement, often requiring effort and skill to navigate through.
The etymology of the phrase "tangled with" can be traced back to the Middle English period. The word "tangled" derives from the Middle English term "tangen", which means "to entangle" or "to intertwine". This word can be further traced to the Old English word "tangian", which signifies "to seize" or "to lay hold of".
The preposition "with" has Old English origins and has remained relatively consistent in its meaning of "in association or conjunction with".
Therefore, when combined, "tangled with" implies becoming ensnared or caught up in a complex or confusing situation, often as a result of a conflict, struggle, or confrontation.