flail about
"Flail about" describes erratic and often ineffective movements or efforts, typically in response to panic, confusion, or distress.
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Definition
B2Physical Movement
(informal)To move one's limbs or body wildly and uncontrollably.
Example
- She began to flail about in the water, struggling to stay afloat.
- The toddler flailed about in excitement when he saw the balloons.
B2Effort
(figurative, informal)To make disorganized and ineffective attempts to achieve something.
Example
- He flailed about trying to fix the broken machine, but nothing worked.
- The team flailed about in their efforts to meet the deadline, lacking a clear plan.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "flail about":
fling outbang aroundthrow aboutjerk aroundlash outflake outdance aroundfloat aroundtoss aroundfanny aboutflare out