tied in knots

Definitions

1. In a state of confusion; in a difficult situation, in a bind.
   idiomatic
2. Worried, anxious, upset.
   idiomatic

Examples

“Are you tied up in knots trying to unravel dozens of mobile phone plans? WireFly […] can untangle the mess. Just type⟳ in your zip code to search⟳ by carrier, phone, or plan⟳.”

“[Nikola] Jokić is his own⟳ story and because he is so big and so good and so versatile, the Heat are tied in knots trying to figure⟳ out how to slow him down.”

“There is no misery like⟳ the misery of being trapped in your own⟳ brain. The more I think⟳ about my problems, the more tied up in knots I become⟳. I do not want⟳ to be alone, or pretend⟳ that I am not lonely. I don't want⟳ to pretend⟳ at all.”

CEFR level