mess

[mes]

mess Definition

• 1. a dirty or untidy state of things or of a place
• 2. a situation or state of affairs that is confused or full of difficulties
• 3. a 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

Synonyms for mess

• disorder
• clutter
• jumble
• muddle
• chaos

Antonyms for mess

• order
• tidiness

Idioms Using mess

• a hot mess

  a person or thing that is a mess in an entertaining or endearing way

  Example

  She showed up to the party wearing mismatched shoes and a tutu - she was a hot mess!

• make a mess of something

  to do something badly or incorrectly, resulting in a mess

  Example

  He made a mess of the presentation by forgetting his notes and stumbling over his words.

• mess around

  to waste time or fool around instead of doing something productive

  Example

  Stop messing around and finish your homework!

Phrases with mess

• make a mess

  to create disorder or confusion

  Example

  He made a mess of the project by not following the instructions.

• clean up the mess

  to fix or resolve a difficult or chaotic situation

  Example

  The government needs to clean up the mess caused by the recent scandal.

• mess with someone

  to bother or annoy someone

  Example

  Don't mess with her, she's in a bad mood today.

Origins of mess

from Old French 'mes', meaning 'portion of food'

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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.