The project has been tied up in political and legal 'knots' for years. [=nothing has happened with the project for years because of political and legal problems]
The mayor 'tied himself in knots' answering a touchy political question. [=he answered it in a confused or unclear way]
She 'knotted' a sweater around her shoulders. [=tied the sleeves of the sweater together around her shoulders]
(..) - Ten minutes onstage with my old friend, Mr. Ackerman. - Really? - Who's Ackerman? The top theatrical agent in London. - I saw you drop the knot again. - I turned my wrists. Some nights you just don't get it, do you? I mean, if that knot slips and Julia's on the hoist, (..)2006 The Prestige
(..) bind her feet... ...around the ankle. Are either of you two gentlemen sailors? - No. - No. I'm sure you can both tie a strong knot. He's complacent, he's predictable, he's boring. Milton has gotten success, whatever that means, so now he's scared. (..)2006 The Prestige