the tangled web we weave....?

Question

k so i need help with this one, i'm kinda confused and don't really know what to take of it. girl that i've known for a while that i spend a decent about of time with says "oh*sigh* the tangled web we weave" exactly what the heck is that supposed to mean? anyone have a clue? thanks

Answer 1

She is referring( although she may not know it) to a quote ( often thought to be from Shakespeare) that was actually written by Sir Walter Scott, a Scottish poet who wrote:"Oh! what a tangled web we weave,When first we practice to deceive! " in his work Marmion.



It usually refers to getting caught in your own lies. The more you lie, or deceive, the bigger the "web" you create and the more complicated things become. The idea here is that it is better to tell the truth and be honest.

Answer 2

Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive. This means that if you're going to lie or cheat be ready for the web of more lies and deception that you have to weave to cover your butt. It snow balls and you find it would have been easier to face the truth in the first place.

Answer 3

It is from a poem that say :How what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive."



Basically it means if you tell a lie (deceive) you will get caught up telling more and more lies (the tangled web)

Answer 4

This is used when a situation or set of circumstances becomes very complicated. Like a spider spinning her web...simple things can become tangled and messy.



To know specific meaning of what your friend was saying, it'd be important to know the context (what she said before/after).



But, in the general sense, that's what it means.

Answer 5

Generally means someone is cheating or deceiving someone. Does either of you have another partner? "...when first we practice to deceive." is the rest of the quote. I'd ask her a few pointed questions before you get caught in the middle of her and a significant other. Or is she seeing you against her parent's wishes or knowledge. Something isn't right.

Answer 6

what were you talking about when she said it.



Sounds like there is some drama you need to ask her about. Maybe a love triangle?

Answer 7

Methinks he doth protest too much

Answer 8

Hoist on ones own petard, indeed.

Answer 9

means some we get ourselves in deep crap by own doings.