embroil and enmesh
Are these two words the same? For example:

I was reluctant to embroil myself in this problem.

Can I say "I was reluctant to enmesh myself in this problem"?

Thank you.

Question

embroil and enmesh
Are these two words the same? For example:

I was reluctant to embroil myself in this problem.

Can I say "I was reluctant to enmesh myself in this problem"?

Thank you.

Answer

Good question.  The meanings are very similar.  Both are OK.  I prefer "embroil", especially before you have got involved.  "Enmesh" sounds more serious and it is harder to extract yourself from the situation.

I might say: "I don't want to get embroiled in this problem (any further)."

Answer

Look up the words "broil" and "mesh" (as verbs) and you'll see the difference.

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