wade through

wade through (something)

1. To physically try to move through some area or substance that restricts forward progress. Wading through waist-high water is quite a workout!
2. By extension, to struggle to do or complete something (usually due to some factor that is slowing down progress). Look at all these files! I'll never be able to wade through them in one day.
See also: through, wade
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

wade through something

 
1. to walk with effort through a substance, such as water, mud, garbage, etc. The soldiers waded through the mud on the way to battle. They waded through the mess to get to where they were going.
2. Fig. to struggle through something with difficulty. (Fig. on {2}.) You mean I have to wade through all these applications? I have to wade through forty term papers in the next two days.
See also: through, wade
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

wade through

v.
1. To walk through something, such as water, that hinders normal movement: We waded through the water.
2. To proceed through something with great difficulty or effort: I waded through a boring report.
See also: through, wade
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • wade through (something)
  • leap over
  • jump over
  • keep fit
  • stay fit
  • grapple
  • grappling
  • be dead from the waist down
  • waist
  • into high gear