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wade through
wade through something
1. to walk with effort through a substance, such as water, mud, garbage, etc. The soldiers waded through the mud on the way to battle. They waded through the mess to get to where they were going.
2. Fig. to struggle through something with difficulty. (Fig. on {2}.) You mean I have to wade through all these applications? I have to wade through forty term papers in the next two days.
wade through something
1. to read detailed or complicated information We don't have enough staff to wade through the data. If you can wade through the ads, there's useful information here about the history of the Internet.
2. to move through a large group We waded through a crowd of thousands. The players have to wade through a sea of fans after games.
Etymology: based on the literal meaning of wade (to walk in water that is not deep)
wade through
v.1. To walk through something, such as water, that hinders normal movement: We waded through the water.
2. To proceed through something with great difficulty or effort: I waded through a boring report.