sling/throw mud
phrase
chiefly US
: to publicly say false or bad things about someone (such as a political opponent) in order to harm that person's reputation
The candidates started slinging mud (at each other) early in the campaign.
Cite this Entry
“Sling/throw mud.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sling%2Fthrow%20mud. Accessed 11 Mar. 2026.
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