Common as muck
Meaning
This phrase describes something that is extremely ordinary, abundant, or of very little value.
Origin
Muck has long been a colloquial term for dirt, filth, or manure – substances so plentiful and unremarkable that they are practically synonymous with low value and universal availability. The phrase taps into this visceral, agricultural image, suggesting something that is not just common, but ubiquitously so, like the very soil beneath our feet or the waste products of farm animals. It's a blunt, no-nonsense assessment, particularly prevalent in British English, that evokes the sheer, undeniable presence of something ordinary or cheap, leaving no room for illusion about its supposed rarity or worth.
Examples
- Those cheap plastic toys are common as muck; you can find them in every bargain bin.
- He's a talented musician, but even his type of sound is common as muck in today's crowded music scene.