stick in the mud
A person unwilling to participate in activities; a curmudgeon or party pooper.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't be such a stick in the mud and come to the party.”
“He refused to join the group for dinner, acting like a total stick in the mud while everyone else wanted to celebrate.”
“Despite his friends' enthusiastic plans for the weekend, he remained a stubborn stick in the mud, preferring the quiet isolation of his study to any social engagement.”
- 01
beat off with a stick
To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).
- 02
beat with the ugly stick
Used to describe someone who is particularly ugly or unattractive.
- 03
carrot and stick
The simultaneous rewarding of good behavior and punishing of bad behavior.
- 04
clue stick
A metaphorical stick used to beat information or understanding into a slow learner.
- 05
drag through the mud
To tarnish or spoil enough so that something or someone is no longer respectable.
- 06
get on the stick
To get started; to begin working; to become active.
- 07
get stuck in
To dedicate a large amount of effort towards.
- 08
happy as a pig in mud
Very happy or content.
Last updated August 10, 2026