Ч-83

(CAM) ЧЁРТ НОГУ (ГОЛОВУ) СЛОМИТ (в чём, где) coll VP subj. these forms only fixed WO

some matter is so convoluted, intricate, or confused that it is impossible to understand, make sense of, or clarify it: сам чёрт ногу сломит (в Х-е) - it (Х) could trip up the devil himself

the devil himself would be stumped (at a loss) s.o. would have the devilfc own time with X (trying to make sense of X).

Анкеты бывают разные. Бывают попроще, бывают потруднее, а бывают такие, что черт ногу сломит (Войнович 1). There are various types of questionnaires. Some are a bit easier than others, some a bit more difficult

then there are those that could trip up the devil himself (1a).