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# it's complicated

phrase (fixed sentence)

«it's complicated» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

1. (euphemism, everyday) the relationship (or situation) is messy, unclear or hard to explain, and I do not want to give details.
2. (literal) the thing is difficult and has many parts.

### In the lessons

Used to avoid explaining a relationship or a family or work situation; famous as a social-media relationship status. Register: everyday, casual; all regions.

### Examples

- «Are you two together?» «It's complicated.»
- Chat: relationship status: it's complicated
- Why isn't Dad coming? It's complicated, love.
- The rules of cricket? It's complicated.
- Gossip: She says it's complicated, which means they're fighting.
- The science of black holes is complicated.

### Note

It often means «please don't ask». In science or maths it can simply mean hard. Plain words: messy; I won't explain.