cat's cradle

Something intricately or overly complex or elaborate. Likened to the children's game of the same name in which string is wound around and between one's fingers to create intricate patterns. The new healthcare legislation is a baffling cat's cradle of regulations, requirements, and loopholes. It's like you have to be an accountant to follow the cat's cradle of tax laws that apply to small businesses! Did you understand The Sound and the Fury the first time you read it? Geez, why does Faulkner need to create such a cat's cradle with his narratives?