Ask LJ

[learnedax]

Is there an expression that describes trying to take one thing and inadvertently dragging along many things attached to or entangled with that thing? I feel like there ought to be some common word or phrase for it, but nothing springs to mind.

Comments

[hungrytiger]

Sort of the unraveling the Christmas lights problem.... and given that we get the less used word ravel

ravel
-els -eling, -eled
1. to tangle (threads, fibres, etc.) or (of threads, fibres, etc.) to become entangled
2. to tease or draw out (the fibers of a fabric or garment) or (of a garment or fabric) to fray out in loose ends; unravel
3. (tr; usually foll by out) to disentangle or resolve to ravel out a complicated story
4. to break up (a road surface) in patches or (of a road surface) to begin to break up; fret; scab
5. Archaic to make or become confused or complicated
n
a tangle or complication

And the ancillary word raveling, which refers to a thread or fiber that has become separated from a woven material.

On a related note:
I'm reminded of this item from ThinkGeek...
http://www.thinkgeek.com/geektoys/cubegoodies/8b4e/