Clear as mud.
Clear as mud.
The phrase 'clear as mud' might sound contradictory at first, as mud is anything but clear! This idiom is used to describe a situation, explanation, or anything communicated that is confusing or not clear. Imagine trying to see through a thick, stirred-up puddle of muddy water. Your visibility would be nearly zero. So when someone drops 'clear as mud' in conversation, they're humorously stating that something is as clear as a thick, murky puddle—that is, not clear at all! It's a sarcastic remark often used to highlight the inadequacy of an explanation or the complexity of a situation.
His explanation was clear as mud.
His explanation was very confusing and unclear.
The instructions they gave us were clear as mud.
The instructions were difficult to understand.
Despite his efforts, the complex topic remained as clear as mud.
Despite his efforts, the complex topic remained very confusing.