tie somebody up in knots

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you tell me whether I am right about my interpretation of the expression in bold in the following sentences?

Watch him tie that witness in knots. (J. O’Hara, Ten Nord Frederick”)

They had a lawyer there what tied everybody in knots first to last. (A. J. Cronin, “Beyond This Place”)

tie somebody up in knots = upset someone completely

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V

[corum]

No. Confuse.

[vil]

upset = agitate, bother, change, confuse,......

[corum]

I did not want to upset you.

What is the default reading of this sentence for you? Make things more complicated (confuse) or emotionally disturb (agitate)?