濁す

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: The written form is 濁す, read にごす. This transitive verb means making something unclear, literally muddying water or figuratively making an answer evasive.
• Basic usage: 水を濁す describes physically muddying water by stirring it, while 答えを濁す describes avoiding a clear answer to a question.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Pond water muddied with a stick
  • Stirring the bottom of the pond causes the water to become muddy. Example: 子どもが池の底を棒でかき回して水を濁しました。 — The child stirred the bottom of the pond with a stick and muddied the water.
• An evasive answer followed by a new topic
  • The speaker avoids a clear answer and then changes the subject. Example: 彼は質問への答えを濁して話題を変えました。 — He gave an evasive answer and changed the subject.