tangle with
Definition
- Verb (phrasal verb):
- To become involved in a conflict, argument, or difficult situation with someone or something. It implies a direct and often confrontational engagement.
Usage
- This phrasal verb is used to describe entering into a dispute, fight, or challenging interaction. It often suggests that the person or entity being "tangled with" is formidable or troublesome.
- It is typically used in informal contexts.
- Common structure: tangle with + [person/organization/problem].
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "to be/get tangled up with": This is a related but distinct phrase meaning to become involved in a complicated, confusing, or undesirable situation with someone or something, often with less emphasis on direct confrontation.
- He got tangled up with a group of people who were bad influences.
Variants and Related Words
- Tangle (verb): To twist together into a confused mass; to become involved in conflict.
- The wires were tangled.
- The two politicians tangled during the live debate.
Synonyms
- Contend with: To struggle or deal with a difficulty.
- Take on: To engage in conflict or competition with.
- Lock horns with: To come into conflict or dispute with (idiomatic).
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Mess with (informal): To interfere with or cause trouble for someone.
- You don't want to mess with him.
Related Idioms
- Have a brush with: To have a brief, often unpleasant encounter with.
- He had a brush with the law.
- Cross swords with: To argue or disagree with someone (idiomatic).
- The senators crossed swords with the minister over the new policy.
Verb
-
get involved in or with
Khám phá thêm
Các từ liên quan
Từ đồng nghĩa
