Confusion is a common feeling, and expressing it effectively in English can be quite challenging. To help you navigate these moments, we’ve compiled 20 expressions related to confusion. These idioms and phrasal verbs will enrich your vocabulary and make your conversations more vivid.
1. At a Loss
Meaning: Unsure, puzzled.
Example: I’m at a loss for words.
2. Up in the Air
Meaning: Unsettled, undecided.
Example: Our plans are still up in the air.
3. In the Dark
Meaning: Uninformed, unaware.
Example: I’m in the dark about his plans.
4. Out of the Loop
Meaning: Not informed.
Example: I’m out of the loop on this project.
5. Clear as Mud
Meaning: Not clear, confusing.
Example: His explanation was clear as mud.
6. Lost the Plot
Meaning: Confused, disoriented.
Example: He seems to have lost the plot.
7. Mixed Up
Meaning: Confused, bewildered.
Example: I’m all mixed up about this.
8. Out of One’s Depth
Meaning: Overwhelmed, unable to cope.
Example: She’s out of her depth in this job.
9. Go Round in Circles
Meaning: Be confused, unproductive.
Example: We are going round in circles here.
10. All Over the Place
Meaning: Disorganized, confused.
Example: His ideas are all over the place.
11. Can’t Make Heads or Tails Of
Meaning: Can’t understand.
Example: I can’t make heads or tails of this map.
12. Throw Someone for a Loop
Meaning: Surprise, confuse.
Example: His question threw me for a loop.
13. Blow One’s Mind
Meaning: Overwhelm, confuse.
Example: The news blew my mind.
14. Foggy About
Meaning: Unclear, confused.
Example: I’m still foggy about the details.
15. Muddy the Waters
Meaning: Make things confusing.
Example: His comments only muddied the waters.
16. Have One’s Wires Crossed
Meaning: Misunderstand, confuse.
Example: We must have our wires crossed.
17. Lost in Translation
Meaning: Meaning misunderstood.
Example: The joke was lost in translation.
18. Mind-Boggled
Meaning: Overwhelmed, confused.
Example: The complexity left me mind-boggled.
19. In a Fog
Meaning: Confused, dazed.
Example: I’m in a fog this morning.
20. Baffle
Meaning: Confuse, puzzle.
Example: His behavior completely baffles me.
