Definition of the word muddle along

The phrase "muddle along" originated in the early 20th century, likely during the First World War. Its origin can be traced back to the verb "muddle," which means "to mix up or confuse" and has been in use since the late 1800s. During the war, soldiers faced challenging and uncertain circumstances, and they needed to adapt and make do with limited resources. They often used the phrase "muddle through" to describe their efforts to get by in these difficult times. The term "muddle along" is a variation of "muddle through"; it carries a similar meaning but emphasizes the continuity of the situation. While "muddle through" suggests resolving a particular issue, "muddle along" implies persistence and progress over a longer period, despite ongoing challenges. The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) defines the phrase as "to manage somehow, to make do or get by with what one has, especially in difficult circumstances" and notes the first recorded use in 1918. Despite its origins in wartime, the phrase has since been adopted as a common expression in both British and American English to describe dealing with less-than-ideal circumstances. Its use has expanded beyond the military context and is now used in various contexts, from financial budgets to personal relationships, to represent the resilience and ability to persevere through adversity.