ENGLISH
REFERENCE

muddy the waters

idiom
Meaning

To make something unclear and difficult to understand.


Examples
SIMPLE

Please do not muddy the waters with these extra questions.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager tried to explain the new policy, but his confusing comments only served to muddy the waters for the staff.

COMPLEX

By introducing irrelevant statistics into the debate, the politician sought to muddy the waters and distract the public from the core issue.

Anchors to
Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    bridge over troubled waters

    Someone or something that provides support, comfort, and a means to overcome difficult times.

  2. 02

    cast one's bread upon the waters

    To perform a kind deed or favor without the motivation of any immediate reward or benefit to oneself, though with the possibility of eventual future return.

  3. 03

    fish in troubled waters

    To try to take advantage of a confused or troubled situation.

  4. 04

    knee-deep in the Big Muddy

    Stuck in a predicament; mired in a difficult situation, especially one resulting from poor judgment or bad leadership.

  5. 05

    muddy up

    To confuse (an issue or situation); to obscure or obfuscate (an issue or situation).

  6. 06

    pour oil on troubled waters

    To calm, appease or quiet a person or situation.

  7. 07

    test the waters

    To explore or probe, as before making a commitment.

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