klɪr æz mʌd
Nature & Weather
informal
beginner
- Literally:
- As clear as muddy water
What does "clear as mud" mean?
- Not clear at all; confusing
- Sarcastically describing something that should be clear but isn't
Examples
- His explanation was as clear as mud.
- Oh, that's clear as mud—thanks for nothing!
- The instructions are clear as mud; I have no idea what to do.
Origin
An ironic expression from the 18th century. Mud is opaque, so 'clear as mud' is the opposite of clear. Used sarcastically to comment on confusing explanations.
How to use it
Always sarcastic or ironic. Used to criticize unclear communication, often humorously.
Similar expressions
confusing
unclear
baffling
Opposites
crystal clear
perfectly clear
Related idioms
- out of the blue
Unexpectedly; without warning
- beat around the bush
To avoid talking about the main point of a conversation
- every cloud has a silver lining
There is something positive in every negative situation
- go with the flow
To accept things as they are and adapt accordingly
- once in a blue moon
Very rarely; almost never
- tip of the iceberg
A small visible part of a much larger hidden problem
Use it in a practice answer
Try "clear as mud" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.