The phrase "makes a muck of" means to mess up or ruin something. There are many synonyms to this phrase, like "botch," "mangle," "flub," "blunder," "fumble," "screw up," and "make a mess of," among others. Each of these words can be used in specific contexts and situations, depending on the severity of the mistake or the consequences of the error. Regardless of the synonym used, the message remains the same: an action or decision went awry, resulting in a negative outcome. To avoid making a muck of things, it's crucial to approach tasks with care, attention, and competence.