mud

clear as mud: seeclear.

drag someone through the mud: see drag someone through the dirt atdrag.

fling (or sling or throw) mud make disparaging or scandalous remarks or accusations. informal

☞ The proverb throw dirt (or mud) enough, and some will stick, to which this phrase alludes, is attributed to the Florentine statesman Niccolò Machiavelli (1469–1527).

here's mud in your eye! used to express friendly feelings towards your companions before drinking. British informal

mud sticks disparaging or malicious allegations are difficult to disprove or shake off.

someone's name is mud someone is in disgrace or unpopular. informal

☞ Mud was a colloquial term for a fool from the early 18th century to the late 19th century.

2013Daily Telegraph Although his name is mud amongst the Salmond Set, Jim Sillars … insists that the White Paper must include a 'Plan B' for the currency.