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to tie oneself (up) in knots
01
to do something that makes oneself overly worried or confused
![to [tie] {oneself} (up|) (in|into) knots definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/45623/original/?type=jpeg "to [tie] {oneself} (up|) (in|into) knots definition and meaning")
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "tie oneself in knots" and when to use it?
The idiom "tie oneself in knots" is originated from the idea of picturing someone trying to make a very tricky knot in a rope but ending up all tangled and confused. It is used to refer to someone who is getting too worried and making things harder by overthinking or making a problem more complicated than it is.
Examples
I was tying myself in knots trying to explain what happened without getting him into trouble.
Now do n't go tying yourself into knots over the details of your papers — at this point, all you need is a cohesive outline.
