knot (redirected from tying in knots)

at a rate of knots (British & Australian)

if someone does something at a rate of knots, they do it very quickly. She did her homework at a rate of knots so that she could go out with her friends.

See also: rate

cut the Gordian knot

to deal with a difficult problem in a strong, simple and effective way. There was so much fighting between staff, she decided to cut the Gordian knot and sack them all.

See also: cut

get your knickers in a twist (British & Australian, informal, Australian, informal)

to become very upset about something, usually something that is not important. Now, before you get your knickers in a twist, let me explain the situation.

See also: twist

Get knotted! (British & Australian, informal, old-fashioned)

an impolite way of telling someone who is annoying you to go away. Oh, get knotted, will you, I'm trying to work!

a Gordian knot (formal)

a difficult problem. Homelessness in the inner cities has become a real Gordian knot.

tie yourself (up) in knots

1. to become very confused or worried when you are trying to make a decision or solve a problem. They tied themselves in knots over the seating arrangements. (often + over)

2. to become very confused when you are trying to explain something. She tied herself up in knots trying to tell me how to operate the video recorder.

See also: tie

tie the knot (informal)

to get married. When are you two going to tie the knot? She's planning to tie the knot with her German boyfriend next June. (often + with)

See also: tie

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tie someone (up) in knots

to cause someone to become very confused or worried. They tied themselves up in knots over the seating arrangements for the party. The possibility of layoffs in Joe's department has tied him into knots.

See also: tie

tie the knot

to get married. She's planning to tie the knot with her German boyfriend next June.

See also: tie