Wade through Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To walk through water or another substance that makes movement difficult, or to work slowly and with effort through something challenging or boring, like a large amount of paperwork.
Usage & Nuances
Often literal with water or mud, but very common figuratively for paperwork, bureaucracy, or long texts. Implies it's slow, tedious, or difficult. Not usually used for pleasant tasks.
Example Sentences
The children had to wade through the muddy river to get home.
basic
She spent all afternoon wading through old emails.
basic
I had to wade through a long report before the meeting.
basic
Honestly, I don’t know how you wade through all that paperwork every day.
natural
The movie was so boring—I felt like I had to wade through it.
natural
We had to wade through a crowd to get to the front of the stage.
natural