Green’s Dictionary of Slang

a mess, chaos; usu. as make a pig’s ear of.

1928		J. Agate Gemel in London 111: From the point of view of the man of taste, the average man’s ear is a pig’s ear.
1954		E. Hargreaves Handful of Silver 183: ‘I’ve made a real pig’s ear of it, haven’t I?’ said Basil, with an attempt at lightness.
1966		P. Boyle At Night All Cats Are Grey 194: You’ve made a right pig’s diddy of that job.
1993		Stage (London) 25 Mar. 7/1: Whyis it that so many agents nake a total pig’s ear of the whole thing.
1999		Guardian G2 17 Sept. 4: Even if you do get laid, you’ll make a pig’s ear of it.
2000		Indep. Rev. 3 May 16: He’s making a pig’s ear of bringing up Simon.