A dog's breakfast

Meaning

Something that is messy or a complete muddle.

Usage

Used to describe chaotic results or poor organization.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

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

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