What does the phrasal verb “muddle through” mean?

What are the definitions of “muddle through”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Do or achieve something without knowing what is required or having a plan.

  We didn't know what to expect and just MUDDLED THROUGH.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “muddle through”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb muddle through is to manage or accomplish something without a clear plan or understanding of what is required. It often implies that the person is improvising or figuring things out as they go along.

What are the different verb forms of “muddle through”?

Root Verb	muddle through
Third Person Singular Present	muddles through
Present Participle	muddling through
Simple Past	muddled through
Past Participle	muddled through

Example

We didn't have a map, but we managed to muddle through and find our way.

Example

She doesn't know much about cooking, but she muddles through and makes dinner.

Example

He is muddling through the project without any guidance from his boss.

Example

They muddled through the presentation even though they were unprepared.

Example

Despite not knowing the language, we muddled through our trip to the foreign country.

What kind of phrasal verb is “muddle through”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“muddle through” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

We muddled through the difficult situation.

Example

He muddled through the task without any help.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“muddle through” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

We muddled through the difficult situation.

Example

He muddled through the task without any help.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “muddle through”?

Muddle through life

To live life without a clear plan or direction, often improvising or making decisions as situations arise.

Example

He never had a clear career path, so he just muddled through life, taking opportunities as they came.

Muddle through a crisis

To manage or navigate a difficult situation without a clear plan or understanding of how to resolve it.

Example

During the financial crisis, many people had to muddle through and find ways to make ends meet.

Muddle through a task

To complete a task or assignment without fully understanding the requirements or having a clear plan.

Example

She didn't know how to fix the computer, but she muddled through and eventually got it working.

Good things to know

Does “muddle through” have an informal or formal tone?

Muddle through is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it may be replaced with phrases like 'manage without a plan' or 'improvise.'

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “muddle through”?

Synonyms

• improvise
• manage
• cope
• get by
• make do
• wing it
• blunder through
• fumble through

Antonyms

• plan
• organize
• prepare
• strategize
• arrange
• coordinate