Untidy state (4)
'untidy state' is the definition.
(state of being untidy)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for mess that I've seen before include "State of confusion or untidiness" , "Communal dining room" , "Service dining-area" , "Army canteen - shambles" , "Military dining room" .)
'untidy state' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for disarray that I've seen before include "Clutter and disorder" , "State of untidiness and lack of order" , "State of disorganisation or untidiness" , "Disorganised state" , "confusion?" .)