A Knotty Problem, Tied up in Knots!

"I'm at my wit's end, at the end of my rope" An interesting way to start a conversation, wouldn't you say? Well, this quote, which is familiar to most of us (whether we have been the issuer or the receiver), is a common way for people to describe what prompted them to call my office (more so these days, it seems). It happened again the other day. Which, together with a discussion on "Knot Theory" (I'll get to this a 'bitt' later), prompted me to think (you're already wondering if I have to much time on my hands), how many metaphors, idioms, and terms we use to describe challenging experiences (as well as some which are more genial) which have to do with ropes and lines, as well as what makes them up, such as thread, yarn, fiber, etc. Only space enough here to share a few and experiences 'tied' to them we can all relate to...

Tied Up: Talk about cross training...this can either mean temporarily preoccupied or indisposed, which you might be told by my receptionist if/when you call ("he's tied up in an appointment"), can have either a negative or positive connotation...or can mean two teams with the same score, which is also referred at times as "all knotted up"...hmmm...for boomers, we also recall when a phone line was 'tied up', which may mean you are a party to a party line (younger generations may interpret 'party line' quite differently)...and for those of us who spend part of our life nautically, this can mean our craft is secure...wow, such multi uses for just one 'line'...BTW: in addition to jump rope, there is now a heavy gage rope for cross training...

"My hands are tied": Referring to someone unable to act freely due to something (rule, law, circumstance) preventing them: "I'd like to help you out but..." In my experience, equally applied to legit situations whereas others a cop-out, a way to abdicate an opportunity to be of assistance while posing as virtuous...

Tied Up In Knots: confused, worried, anxious, upset...or, of course, "my stomach's tied up in knots"...or, a knot in my back (or anywhere else that's in turn a pain in the _ _ _ !). Lots of remedies for getting rid of all the foregoing, ranging from using gadgets, medicinal intervention, to relaxation strategies...

I got Roped into it: such as persuaded, enticed, enlisted...most often having a negative connotation, having gotten into something we dislike or regret...or having been volunteered without knowing or noticing (us guys can relate)...after which we might request "please, throw me a line, I want out of this". 

Tying One On: which may or may not follow getting roped into something as a way to cope, which usually leaves one feeling low the next morning....

Tying the Knot, Knot Tying: when a couple is getting married, one way to reference their decision, of course, is that they are tying the knot...voluntarily. As the bride begins planning the wedding, she will no doubt experience her stomach in knots as well...which will np doubt in turn become contagious...tying knots in items of clothing worn by either party is a tradition in  many ceremonies, symbolic of unity...depending on the conspiratorial nature of the best man and maid of honor, tying stuff up can also take the form or practical jokes on the unsuspecting couple, who have been 'tied up', preoccupied with planning...tied up by other stuff...

Tying Knots, Knot Tying: starting with my time in the Boy Scouts and proceeding into boating,  I learned there are both practical as well as life saving knots that are essential for all of us to learn, beyond the bow and 'granny'...let alone for those who are literally hanging by a rope being let out to them from someone above, while scaling peaks...which, strictly speaking in both nautical and mountaineering terms, is a line, not just a rope, you dope! That is, a rope is "unemployed cordage, when it is simply sitting around in a coil and not in an assigned job, whereas when you prepare a rope for an assigned task, it becomes employed as a line" (with specific adjectives designating its task, such as "anchor", etc.). So, when we say "unemployment line", is this an oxymoron? In any case, if you are the one hovering over me, as my 'lifeline', I don't at that moment care much whether you want me to call it a rope or line, just let enough out to keep me from falling but not too much...and make sure it's got enough fiber woven together, as I will otherwise feel like I'm "hanging on by a thread"...we've all been there, right? Better 'get a grip'!

"I'm all wound up, coming unwound": well, which is it, are you feeling tense, all wound up like a top (which, when properly wound up, has a lot of potential energy), or coming unwound in such way that is not functional, not deliberate as in a toy top, basically 'losing it', wasted energy... 

Knot Theory, A Knotty Problem: In mathematical terms, a knot is "an embedding of a circle in 3 dimensional Euclidean space", which in turn is related to the study of the double helix in our DNA, which in turn is relevant to the development of vaccines (are you in a knot yet?). More than six billion knots and links have been tabulated since the beginnings of knot theory in the 19th C. So, when you are perplexed trying to untie the knot on your shoe, thinking it's the worse ever, think again--probably KNOT! 

At the end of my rope...the 'bitter end'!: Usually a reflection of feeling either depleted or out of options...which may in turn make you feel like you are at unwanted destination. But wait a minute, as the 'bitter end' may be getting a bad rap here...in old seaman's terms "the Bitters end is that part of the cable doth stay within boord" The bitt is a post fastened on the deck of a ship, for fastening cables and ropes". When a rope is played out to the bitter end, it means there is no more rope (or line!) to be used. Not to be confused with the bit for directing horses, or the new type of cyber currency...

Ad Alert: Established in 1961, "The Bitter End" is the oldest rock and roll club in New York City (or claims to be), located in the heart of Greenwich Village, open seven days a week (well, maybe a modified schedule these days, enough to make a music enthusiast bitter). And, in the case of a newcomer or aspiring musician there are open jam sessions every Monday and every other Sunday (cool, just enough time to permit a quarantine!). Finally, if you are convinced you are at "Wits End", you've actually arrived at Alberta, Canada, as that's where the "Wit's End" B & B resides, at the foot of Sulphur Mountain, in Banff National Park. Sounds more like "Serenity" to me...

🎝"It's ticking away with my sanity

I've got too much time on my hands..."

-Styx,  2011: "Too Much Time On My Hands"