flail about
B2 neutral intransitive
In simple words
To wave your arms and legs around in a wild, out-of-control way.
Literal meaning: A flail is a medieval weapon swung wildly — the image of uncontrolled swinging arms.
Meanings
1 B2 neutral
To move the arms, legs, or body wildly and without coordination, especially in panic or when off balance.
"The toddler was flailing about in the shallow water, laughing and splashing."
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To struggle in a confused, uncoordinated way without clear direction or purpose.
"Without a clear strategy, the team was just flailing about and making little progress."
Usage notes
Often used to describe people drowning, falling, or panicking. Also used figuratively for someone struggling without direction. 'Flail around' is an equally common variant. More vivid and expressive than 'wave about'.
Commonly used with
arms legs limbs wildly helplessly desperately
Forms
Base
flail about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
flails about
he/she/it
Past simple
flailed about
yesterday
Past participle
flailed about
have + pp
-ing form
flailing about
continuous
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Synonyms
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