Fumble for Meaning in English
expression
ˈfəmbəɫ/ /ˈfɔɹ/, /fɝ/, /fɹɝ
FUHM-buhl for, FUHM-buhl fer, FUHM-buhl fur
fˈʌmbəl/ /fˈɔː
FUM-buhl faw
Definition
To search for something with your hands in an uncoordinated or awkward way, especially when you cannot see well or are unsure where it is.
Usage & Nuances
'Fumble for' is informal, often used when someone is nervous, in the dark, or searching quickly without precision. Common with 'keys', 'phone', or 'words'. Not used for methodical searching; it implies a lack of control or ease.
Spanish: buscar a tientas - tantear (buscando algo)Portuguese (BR): procurar às cegas - tatear por (algo)Portuguese (PT): procurar às cegas - tactear por (algo)Chinese (Simplified): 摸索着找Chinese (Traditional): 摸索著找Hindi: टटोलनाArabic: يتلمس بحثًا عنBengali: হাঁটতে হাঁটতে খোঁজাRussian: шарить в поискахJapanese: 手探りで探すVietnamese: lần mò tìm kiếmKorean: 더듬더듬 찾다Turkish: el yordamıyla aramakUrdu: ٹٹولتے ہوئے تلاش کرناIndonesian: meraba mencari
Example Sentences
He fumbled for his keys in the dark.
basic
She fumbled for her phone in her bag.
basic
I saw him fumble for a pen during the test.
basic
I had to fumble for words when she asked me that question.
natural
After waking up, I fumbled for my glasses on the nightstand.
natural
He reached out and fumbled for the light switch.
natural