be tied (up) in knots

be tied (up) in knots

To be confused, anxious, worried, and/or upset (about something). I've been tied up in knots trying to come up with a good topic for my term paper, but I just can't think of anything! James is tied in knots over how to break up with Danielle, but I think he needs to bite the bullet and just do it.
See also: knot, tie
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • tie (one) (up) in knots
  • tie in knots
  • tie someone in knots
  • tie (someone) in(to) knots
  • tie in a knot
  • tie (someone or oneself) (up) in(to) a knot
  • tie (someone or oneself) (up) into knots
  • tie into knots
  • tie somebody/yourself in knots
  • (one's) stomach is in knots