mess Definition
- 1a dirty or untidy state of things or of a place
- 2a situation or state of affairs that is confused or full of difficulties
- 3a group of people, especially soldiers, who regularly eat meals together
Using mess: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "mess" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The kitchen was in a mess after the party.
Example
The company's finances were in a mess.
Example
The new manager had to clean up the mess left by his predecessor.
Example
The soldiers gathered in the mess hall for breakfast.
mess Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using mess
Example
She showed up to the party wearing mismatched shoes and a tutu - she was a hot mess!
Example
He made a mess of the presentation by forgetting his notes and stumbling over his words.
Example
Stop messing around and finish your homework!
Phrases with mess
Example
He made a mess of the project by not following the instructions.
Example
The government needs to clean up the mess caused by the recent scandal.
Example
Don't mess with her, she's in a bad mood today.
Origins of mess
from Old French 'mes', meaning 'portion of food'
Summary: mess in Brief
The term 'mess' [mes] refers to a state of disorder or confusion, as well as a group of people who eat together. Examples include 'The kitchen was in a mess after the party.' and 'The soldiers gathered in the mess hall for breakfast.' Phrases like 'make a mess' and idioms like 'a hot mess' denote entertaining or endearing disorder, while 'clean up the mess' and 'make a mess of something' imply the need to fix or resolve a difficult situation.