imbroglio
UK: ɪmˈbrəʊlɪəʊ | US: ɪmˈbroʊlɪoʊ
n. a complicated, confusing, or embarrassing situation, often involving conflict or misunderstanding.
n. (Music) a passage of intricate or contrapuntal music.
imbroglio = im<in> + broglio<confusion>
- im (prefix): from Latin "in-" meaning "in" or "into."
- broglio: from Italian "imbroglio," derived from "imbrogliare" (to confuse, entangle), itself from "brogliare" (to mix, stir).
Etymology Origin:
The word entered English in the mid-18th century from Italian, where it originally described a tangled or messy situation, often with deceitful undertones. The root "broglio" traces back to the idea of mixing or stirring, metaphorically extending to confusion or conflict. Its adoption into English preserved this vivid imagery of complexity and entanglement.
The political scandal turned into a full-blown imbroglio, with accusations flying from all sides.
Their romantic relationship was an imbroglio of misunderstandings and unresolved tensions.
The negotiations descended into an imbroglio when neither party could agree on terms.
The composer’s latest piece features a dazzling imbroglio of overlapping melodies.
Cleaning up the legal imbroglio took months of careful mediation.