Clear as mud Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɫɪɹ/ /ˈæz/, /ˈɛz/ /ˈməd
KLEER-az-MUHD
klˈiə/ /ˈæs/ /mˈʌd
klee-uhz-MUD
Definition
This expression is used sarcastically to mean that something is very confusing or hard to understand, even though 'clear' usually means easy to see or understand.
Usage & Nuances
Always sarcastic. Used after explanations, instructions, or comments that are confusing. Not literal. Often said with a humorous tone. Common in informal spoken English.
Spanish: más claro que el barroPortuguese (BR): claro como lamaPortuguese (PT): claro como lamaChinese (Simplified): 一点也不清楚Chinese (Traditional): 一點也不清楚Hindi: बिल्कुल भी साफ़ नहीं (व्यंग्य)Arabic: واضح مثل الطينBengali: ধোঁয়াশা - কিছুই বোঝা যায় নাRussian: чёрт ногу сломит - ничего не понятноJapanese: さっぱり分からない - ちんぷんかんぷんVietnamese: rối như tơ vò - tối nghĩaKorean: 도무지 이해가 안 돼 - 오리무중이다Turkish: anladım dersem yalan olur - hiç anlaşılmıyorUrdu: کچھ سمجھ نہیں آیا - بالکل الجھا ہواIndonesian: sama sekali tidak jelas - membingungkan
Example Sentences
His instructions were clear as mud.
basic
This math problem is clear as mud.
basic
Her explanation was clear as mud.
basic
"So, do you get it now?" "Nope, still clear as mud."
natural
He tried to explain quantum physics, but it was clear as mud to me.
natural
All those legal terms? Yeah, that's clear as mud to most people.
natural