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.

Examples of sling/throw mud in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The parliament is sometimes ensnarled in legislative deadlock, and political candidates sling mud at their opponents during campaigns. — Tenzin Dorjee, Foreign Affairs, 1 Sep. 2025

The traditional viewpoint would be that an age old Meghan-hating tabloid is looking for any excuse to throw mud at her, however, there may be a more troubling observation lurking under the surface for the duchess. — Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 4 Mar. 2025

But another reason might be that Gadd’s self-critical approach to telling his story has stymied many of their attempts to sling mud. — Joe Utichi, Deadline, 7 Aug. 2024

In the yard, the pair would swing on their janky swingset or throw mud patties at the side of a metal shed to see whose would slide down the fastest. — Ariane Lange, Sacramento Bee, 23 Apr. 2024