Make a mess of Meaning in English
expression
ˈmeɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈmɛs/ /ˈəv
MAYK uh MESS uhv
mˈeɪk/ /æɪ/ /mˈɛs/ /ˈɒv
MAYK uh MESS ov
Definition
To do something very badly or create confusion or disorder, often by making mistakes while doing a task.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often a bit critical. Used for both physical messes (like a dirty room) and figurative (mistakes at work, ruining plans). Common with objects: 'make a mess of dinner', 'make a mess of the presentation'. Similar to 'mess up', but usually sounds more severe.
Spanish: estropear - desordenar - arruinarPortuguese (BR): bagunçar - estragar - fazer uma bagunça emPortuguese (PT): desarrumar - estragar - fazer uma confusão emChinese (Simplified): 搞砸了 - 弄乱Chinese (Traditional): 搞砸了 - 弄亂Hindi: गड़बड़ कर देना - बिगाड़ देनाArabic: يفسد - يبعثر - يخربBengali: গণ্ডগোল করা - এলোমেলো করে ফেলা - খারাপভাবে করাRussian: испортить - напортачить - устроить беспорядокJapanese: 台無しにする - めちゃくちゃにするVietnamese: làm rối tung lên - làm hỏngKorean: 엉망으로 만들다 - 망치다Turkish: berbat etmek - altüst etmekUrdu: گڑبڑ کرنا - بگاڑ دیناIndonesian: membuat kacau - mengacaukan
Example Sentences
He made a mess of his homework and had to start again.
basic
Please don't make a mess of the kitchen while cooking.
basic
She made a mess of the test and failed.
basic
Wow, you really made a mess of the presentation!
natural
Every time I try to fix something, I just make a mess of it.
natural
If you make a mess of this deal, we could lose everything.
natural