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Introduction
An expression meaning you're managing OK even if you don't have a plan. Learn it here.
Transcript
Feifei
Hello and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English speakers so that you can use them as well. I'm Feifei.
Beth
And I'm Beth. Feifei, how are you today?
Feifei
Oh, you know, muddling along. Everything's fine - the same as usual.
Beth
Ah, you're 'muddling along'! Well, that's what we're looking at today, and it's a phrasal verb. If you say you're 'muddling along', it means you're coping fine with something – things aren't great, but things aren't bad either.
Feifei
And it can also be used when you're doing something without a plan or in conditions which aren't perfect.
Beth
Yes. So, for example, I don't have enough money to spend on a new phone at the moment, so I am muddling along with my old one for now. it's not a great phone, but it's OK for now.
Feifei
Yes. So, when working on projects, I prefer to have a very detailed plan. I don't like to muddle along.
Beth
I'm the same.
Feifei
Let's hear some more examples of 'muddle along'.
Examples
I've just moved into a new house, and I don't really have any plates or dishes or anything or any furniture, but I think we'll muddle along somehow.
I could really do with a new job at the moment, but there's nothing out there, so I'm just muddling along for now.
I'm very disorganised. I don't really have a plan for my life. I just muddle along.
Beth
Now, we can also say 'muddle on', and that has the same meaning.
Feifei
Yes. And we also have the phrasal verb 'muddle through'. The main meaning of this is being able to do something even though you aren't organised or don't know how to do it well.
Beth
Yes, exactly. So, my Spanish is quite low level. I could muddle through if I had to speak Spanish, but it would be difficult for me.
Feifei
I'm sure your Spanish is just fine, Beth. We'll be back next time with another useful English phrase. See you soon!
Beth
Bye!
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