When rope or string is twisted or tied, it sometimes forms a knot. This picture shows what a knot looks like:
Some knots are useful or necessary:
Sailors use knots when tying ropes on ships or sailboats.
Campers use knots when securing tents and tarps.
A good, solid knot will keep your shoes tied.
However, some knots are not intended and they can cause problems:
Bob’s Christmas lights are all knotted together in a box. It will take a long time to untangle them. (untangle = remove the knots.)
Cindy’s unbrushed hair is all in knots.
I can’t get this knot undone. I’ll have to cut the string.
It’s also possible to use the word "knot" for things other than ropes and string:
Traffic is in a knot this afternoon due to the construction of a new interchange on highway 94. (Traffic is a mess.)
Ralph says his stomach feels like it’s all in knots because he has a big test this morning. (Nervousness can sometimes result in physical discomfort, especially in the stomach.)
Jose and Glenda have decided to tie the knot. (tie the knot = get married.)
