muddle through

verb

muddled through; muddling through; muddles through

intransitive verb

: to achieve a degree of success without much planning or effort

Examples of muddle through in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These patches will help Europe muddle through immediate turmoil but will not solve the continent’s most fundamental political and security challenges. Sophia Besch, Foreign Affairs, 5 May 2025 Moscow probably still has enough cash reserves to muddle through, but in the short term, there could be pain, analysts said. Neil MacFarquhar, New York Times, 3 May 2025 Whether potty training, learning to drive, or applying to college, the reflections of veteran parents were much more valuable than those trying to muddle through it like me. Brennan Barnard, Forbes.com, 30 Mar. 2025 Biden's is one of muddling through crises, reacting to unforeseen events, and being trapped by its own biases and assumptions. Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for muddle through

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of muddle through was circa 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Muddle through.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muddle%20through. Accessed 19 May. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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