knee-deep in the Big Muddy
Stuck in a predicament; mired in a difficult situation, especially one resulting from poor judgment or bad leadership.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We are knee-deep in the Big Muddy with this project.”
“You are knee-deep in the Big Muddy because you ignored the legal advice.”
“After ignoring the budget warnings for months, the manager realized we were knee-deep in the Big Muddy.”
“The team followed the wrong instructions for weeks and now they are knee-deep in the Big Muddy trying to fix the errors.”
“The administration found itself knee-deep in the Big Muddy, unable to reverse the disastrous policy decisions that had alienated their most loyal supporters.”
first recorded 20th c.
The phrase is a variation of the title of the 1967 folk song "Waist Deep in the Big Muddy" by Pete Seeger. Seeger wrote the piece as a protest against the ongoing war in Vietnam, using the image of a platoon struggling through a swamp to critique the military and political situation of the era. The lyrics and their subsequent idiomatic use preserve the specific imagery of the song's original objection to the conflict.
- 01
big boy
A large object or person.
- 02
big boys
The people or bodies with the most influence and/or power.
- 03
big break
A breakthrough, especially the first big hit of a previously unknown performer or performers in the entertainment industry.
- 04
big bucks
Lots of money.
- 05
big cheese
A very important figure, especially a high-ranking person in an organization.
- 06
big deal
Something very important or difficult; a matter of great concern; a considerable feat or achievement.
- 07
big dick energy
Unassuming self-confidence.
- 08
big end of town
The top end of town.
Last updated August 10, 2026