mess
/mɛs/ noun B1- A thing or group of things in a disagreeable, disorganised, or dirty state; hence a bad situation. · He made a mess of it.· My bedroom is such a mess; I need to tidy up.
- A large quantity or number. · My boss dumped a whole mess of projects on my desk today.· She brought back a mess of fish to fix for supper.
- Excrement. · There was dog mess all along the street.· Did you hear that? It scared the mess out of me.
- A person in a state of (especially emotional) turmoil or disarray; an emotional wreck. · Between the pain and the depression, I'm a mess.· He's been a mess and a half ever since you excommunicated him.
Plural messes
Phrasal verbs and expressions
From the library
He was blockaded in a tangled mess of vehicles and horses.
I’ve never brought up a child, especially a girl, and I dare say I’ll make a terrible mess of it.
And I get so nervous in an examination that I’m likely to make a mess of it.
She could see him instantly before her, in every charm of air and address, but she could remember no more substantial good than the general approbation of the neighbourhood, and the regard which his social powers had gained him in the mess.
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