imbroglio
Americannoun
PLURAL
imbroglios-
a misunderstanding, disagreement, etc., of a complicated or bitter nature, as between persons or nations.
-
an intricate and perplexing state of affairs; a complicated or difficult situation.
-
a confused heap.
noun
-
a confused or perplexing political or interpersonal situation
-
obsolete a confused heap; jumble
Etymology
Origin of imbroglio
1740–50; < Italian, derivative of imbrogliare to embroil
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Neither party appears to have emerged politically unscathed from this legislative imbroglio.
From BBC
As a member of the firm, he was enlisted to untangle corporate governance imbroglios at Bethlehem Steel, the Walt Disney Company, General Electric, General Motors, Macy’s, Tyco International and Westinghouse, among other companies.
From New York Times
The agency could use the resulting internet imbroglio to educate people about the best practices for off-road vehicles on public lands.
From Los Angeles Times
Sarcasm aside, it’s kind of incredible that “The Bachelor” franchise is being yanked back into this same doghouse for another mild imbroglio, this time courtesy of The Hollywood Reporter.
From Salon
While neither shooting, both of which took place in 2017, was a major imbroglio, their disclosure is notable.
From New York Times
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
