as clear as mud
Impossible to understand
Ironic expression meaning completely unclear or confusing—the opposite of what it literally suggests.
Someone explains a complex tax rule and you understand nothing: Well, that's as clear as mud.
The phrase gently mocks explanations that fail to clarify.
Causing mental uncertainty
- bewilderingCausing utter confusion
- bafflingImpossible to understand
- perplexingCausing mental confusion
- puzzlingCausing confusion or bewilderment
unintelligible · incomprehensible · convoluted · cryptic · enigmatic · indecipherable · unfathomable · impenetrable
Having multiple interpretations
- vagueUnclear, ill-defined
- unclearNot easily understood
- nebulousUnclear and formless
- indefiniteNot precisely determined
uncertain · equivocal · obscure · hazy · fuzzy · indistinct · murky · blurry
Mockingly insincere in tone
- sardonicGrimly mocking
- tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally
- wryDryly mocking in tone
- dryFree from moisture
deadpan · mocking · facetious · satirical · understated · backhanded · cutting · withering
confusing
Causing mental uncertainty
- bewilderingCausing utter confusion
- bafflingImpossible to understand
- perplexingCausing mental confusion
puzzling · unintelligible · incomprehensible · convoluted · cryptic · enigmatic · indecipherable · unfathomable · impenetrable · nonsensical
ambiguous
Having multiple interpretations
indefinite · uncertain · equivocal · obscure · hazy · fuzzy · indistinct · murky · blurry · imprecise
sarcastic
Mockingly insincere in tone
- sardonicGrimly mocking
- tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally
- wryDryly mocking in tone
dry · deadpan · mocking · facetious · satirical · understated · backhanded · cutting · withering · dismissive
as clear as mudcrystal clear
Entirely unambiguous, perfectly understood
clear as a bell · plain as day · lucid · straightforward · self-explanatory
as clear as mudcrystal clear
Entirely unambiguous, perfectly understood
transparent · see-through · translucent · crystalline · limpid