Tangle with
verb
To fight, argue, or compete with someone or something.
I wouldn't want to tangle with him in a debate. He's smart and very persuasive.
Often appears as...
- don't tangle with
- tangle with him
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To get involved with someone or something that could cause trouble.
The local gang is not the sort people should tangle with.
Often appears as...
- tangle with trouble
- tangle with danger
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To get something twisted or mixed up with other things making it difficult to use or manage.
My headphones always tangle with the other wires in my bag.
Often appears as...
- headphones tangle with
- yarn tangle with
verb
To fight, argue, or compete with someone or something.
I wouldn't want to tangle with him in a debate. He's smart and very persuasive.
Often appears as...
- don't tangle with
- tangle with him
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To get involved with someone or something that could cause trouble.
The local gang is not the sort people should tangle with.
Often appears as...
- tangle with trouble
- tangle with danger
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
verb
To get something twisted or mixed up with other things making it difficult to use or manage.
My headphones always tangle with the other wires in my bag.
Often appears as...
- headphones tangle with
- yarn tangle with
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/2Conflict implications
'Tangle with' suggests a difficult or unpleasant conflict, not a friendly disagreement.
You may respect your opponent, but if you tangle with her, expect a tough fight.
Pro Tip 2/2Metaphorical use
'Tangle with' can be used metaphorically to describe dealing with complex issues.
When you tangle with bureaucracy, be prepared for a lot of paperwork.
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