The phrase “folded like a pretzel” is often used metaphorically to describe someone who is in a complicated or contorted situation, whether physically or emotionally. It can imply that a person is in a position that is difficult to navigate or is experiencing stress or anxiety.
In a physical context, it may refer to someone who is unusually bent or twisted, resembling the shape of a pretzel. In a more abstract sense, it can suggest being overwhelmed, tangled up in problems, or feeling constrained by circumstances.
For example, if someone is trying to juggle multiple responsibilities and feels overwhelmed, one might say they are “folded like a pretzel” to convey the idea of being in a complex and challenging situation.