make a mess of things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "make a mess of things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has caused confusion or disorder, often due to mistakes or poor decisions. Example: "After trying to fix the project on my own, I ended up making a mess of things, and now we have to start over."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

But with important financial decisions, speed can make a mess of things.

The New York Times

(If they make a mess of things, they can restore the original).

The New York Times - Tech

Nor did they make a mess of things in difficult circumstances.

The Guardian

You'd have to go some to make a mess of things with that team.

The Guardian - Sport

I thought I would fail him, make a mess of things.

The Guardian - Books

It's better to learn how to do something properly than to soldier on and make a mess of things.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

He found himself drinking at lunch and making a mess of things.

The New York Times

The men who were running the financial world in the run-up to 2008 made a mess of things.

The New Yorker

After going through that experience, Woolley had an epiphany: financial institutions that react to market incentives in a competitive setting often end up making a mess of things.

The New Yorker

I don't think (the army) made a mess of things but we got some of our approach wrong in not having enough resources.

The Guardian

Thus far, the reaction to this plan is mixed, a polite way of saying that some New Yorkers think City Hall is making a mess of things.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject is clearly defined: what exactly is being made a mess of? Ambiguity can weaken your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "make a mess of things" in highly formal documents such as academic papers or legal briefs. Opt for more precise and professional language to maintain credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "make a mess of things" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It typically serves as the predicate of a clause, describing an action that results in disorder or failure. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "make a mess of things" is a commonly used idiomatic phrase that effectively conveys the idea of causing disorder or failing at a task. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media. While versatile, it's best to avoid using this phrase in highly formal or scientific writing, opting instead for more precise language. Alternatives such as "screw things up" or "botch things up" may be appropriate in more informal settings. Remember to clearly define what is being made a mess of to ensure clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

screw things up

A more informal and direct way of saying "make a mess of things".

muck things up

A more colloquial term for creating disorder or failing.

botch things up

Implies a clumsy or unskilled handling of a situation.

make a hash of things

An idiomatic alternative suggesting a thorough failure.

fumble things

Suggests a lack of coordination or grace in handling a situation.

bungle things

Similar to 'botch', but can imply a greater degree of incompetence.

derail things

Focuses on the aspect of causing something to go off track.

spoil everything

Highlights the destructive aspect of making a mess.

ruin everything

Focuses on the devastating consequences.

create chaos

Emphasizes the disorderly outcome of actions.

FAQs

How can I use "make a mess of things" in a sentence?

You can use "make a mess of things" to describe a situation where someone has caused confusion or disorder, often due to mistakes or poor decisions. For example, "After trying to fix the project on my own, I ended up making a mess of things, and now we have to start over."

What are some alternatives to "make a mess of things"?

You can use alternatives like "screw things up", "botch things up", or "create chaos" depending on the context.

Is "make a mess of things" appropriate for formal writing?

While widely understood, "make a mess of things" might be too informal for academic or professional documents. Consider using more formal alternatives like "mishandle the situation" or "fail to execute properly".

What's the difference between "make a mess of things" and "make a hash of things"?

Both phrases imply failure, but "make a hash of things" suggests a more complete or ridiculous failure. "Make a mess of things" is a more general expression of failure or disorder.