Explore English traditional proverbsReviewed 2026-10-01
Sense: Verified- Meaning and lesson
The phrase says the opposite of what it means: something described this way is difficult to understand rather than clear.
It can express frustration with an explanation, instruction, or situation that has left someone confused instead of helping them make sense of it.
- When it is used
Use it after an explanation or set of instructions that remains confusing. Its irony may sound pointed when directed at the person who gave the explanation.
- Register
- informal
How this record reached us: Editorially sourced.
Report an issue with this meaning: As clear as mud.