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Region: UK | Usage example: After the system crash the report looked like a dog's breakfast.

A dog's breakfast

Meaning

Something that is messy or a complete muddle.

Usage

Used to describe chaotic results or poor organization.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

British slang that imagines a dog's mealtime as sloppy.

Common in Britain by the twentieth century, especially after World War II.

Related Idioms

It's a dog's life

Life that is hard or miserable.

Beat around the bush

Avoid stating something directly.

Hit the nail on the head

To say or identify something exactly right, with no wasted guessing.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.