# muddy up

idiom

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

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Do not muddy up the facts with your guesses.
- The lawyer tried to muddy up the case by bringing in irrelevant evidence that confused the jury.
- By introducing conflicting reports, the politician sought to muddy up the public debate and avoid answering direct questions about the budget.

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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.