untangle
UK: ʌnˈtæŋɡl | US: ʌnˈtæŋɡl
vt. to free from a tangled or twisted state
vt. to resolve or clarify (a complex situation or problem)
The word "untangle" combines the prefix "un-" (Old English, meaning "not" or "reverse action") with "tangle" (Middle English, from Old Norse þǫngull, meaning "twist" or "knot"). The prefix "un-" reverses the action of tangling, creating a verb that means "to free from knots or complications." This logical pairing reflects the word's straightforward evolution from physical knots to metaphorical problem-solving.
She carefully untangled the necklace chain.
The detective worked to untangle the web of lies.
It took hours to untangle the fishing line.
The new manager helped untangle the company's financial issues.
He tried to untangle the cords behind the computer desk.