Untangle

To separate threads, lines, or parts that have become twisted together.

Reach for it when Describing patient physical work that restores order to a knot.

Two volunteers untangled the wet ropes before the next rescue drill.

• everyday

  unravel

  threads or a mystery are gradually separated

  not when can also mean something falling apart

• professional

  unknot

  a literal knot is the exact obstacle

  not when not for broader tangling without a knot

• formal

  disentangle

  interwoven parts are carefully separated

  not when more formal than practical instructions need

To make a confusing problem, account, or relationship easier to understand.

Reach for it when Naming analytical work that separates intertwined causes or claims.

A shared timeline helped the mediator untangle the two versions of the agreement.

• everyday

  sort out

  a problem is made manageable and resolved

  not when too informal for technical causal analysis

• warm

  make sense of

  human understanding is the desired outcome

  not when may stop short of resolving contradictions

• professional

  clarify

  confusion is reduced through explanation

  not when does not necessarily solve the underlying issue

• formal

  deconstruct

  complex assumptions are separated for study

  not when can sound theoretical where a solution is needed

• tangle
• knot
• confuse

• untangle a knot

  Warm water helped them untangle a knot in the old net.

• untangle the facts

  The inquiry used dated photographs to untangle the facts.

• help untangle

  A neutral adviser helped untangle the overlapping lease terms.