Mutkistaa

Mutkistaa is a Finnish verb meaning to make something more winding or oblique, literally to bend or twist, and also figuratively to complicate or entangle a situation, plan, or process. It can describe both physical alteration of a path or road and the introduction of difficulties in non-physical contexts.

Mutkistaa derives from mutka, meaning a bend or twist, with the suffix -istaa forming a causative verb meaning “to cause to become a bend.” The verb is transitive and used with both concrete objects (for example, mutkistaa tie, to make a road winding) and abstract concepts (mutkistaa prosessin, to complicate the process).

In usage, mutkistaa often carries a negative or critical nuance, indicating unwanted complexity or obstacles. It is common in everyday language and in journalism, and it is somewhat softer than monimutkaistaa in formal contexts. Related terms include mutkainen (winding, intricate) and mutkallisesti (in a winding manner).

Examples: Uudet säännökset mutkistavat hankkeen etenemisen.