# muddy the waters

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/muddy-the-waters
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To make something unclear and difficult to understand.

## Examples

- Please do not muddy the waters with these extra questions.
- The manager tried to explain the new policy, but his confusing comments only served to muddy the waters for the staff.
- By introducing irrelevant statistics into the debate, the politician sought to muddy the waters and distract the public from the core issue.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.