Untangle

verb: to separate the intertwined parts of something or to clarify a complicated situation. The act of untangling involves carefully extracting or resolving elements that are knotted, twisted, or confused, usually resulting in a clearer or more organized state. It can be applied to physical objects like ropes, as well as abstract concepts like problems or emotions.

Untangle meaning with examples

• After spending an hour trying to untangle the mass of wires behind the entertainment center, I finally managed to organize them into neat bundles. It was a tedious task, but the satisfaction of seeing everything in order made the effort worthwhile, resulting in an uncluttered space and easier access to each device's cables.
• During our family meeting, I took on the responsibility to untangle the misunderstandings that had arisen between family members. By patiently listening to each person’s perspective and clarifying their intentions, we were able to restore harmony and resolve past conflicts. It felt good to see everyone smiling again after so much tension.
• As I worked through my feelings about the recent changes at my job, I found it necessary to untangle my emotions to understand what was truly bothering me. Writing in my journal helped me analyze my thoughts, enabling me to separate my fears from my rational thoughts, leading to greater clarity and peace in my mind.
• The detective's job was to untangle the web of lies surrounding the case as testimonies conflicted with the evidence. By systematically cross-referencing statements and analyzing data, he was able to piece together the truth, providing a clear narrative of events and ultimately leading to the resolution of the investigation.