Flail about Meaning in English
expression
Definición
To move arms and legs wildly and without control, often because you are scared or struggling. It can also mean to act in a confused way, not knowing what to do.
Uso & Matices
Usually informal. Commonly describes physical movement when panicking, drowning, or startled, but also used metaphorically for a person acting confused or lost. Often appears as 'flail about' or 'flailing about.' Don't confuse with 'fail' (to not succeed).
Oraciones de Ejemplo
The child began to flail about in the pool when he couldn't touch the bottom.
basic
If you flail about on the ice, you might fall.
basic
He started to flail about trying to find his glasses in the dark.
basic
When the alarm went off, she flailed about looking for her phone.
natural
I spent the first few days in the new job just flailing about until I figured things out.
natural
Don’t just flail about—take a deep breath and think about your next step.
natural