Muddle along means that there is no actual action, just muddling along, doing nothing and being irresponsible. Muddling along means that people are not practical, have no goal, no direction, no plan, no plan, just like muddling along. Fish in troubled waters means that people have no destination, no plan and no focus, just like fishing in the water, swimming around without a clue. Usually used to criticize those who are irresponsible, don't work hard, don't make progress, and muddle along.