flailed about
Waved limbs frantically
To flail about is to move one's limbs wildly and without coordination, typically while struggling, panicking, or trying to regain balance: He flailed about in the water, unable to swim.
The phrase suggests desperate, uncontrolled motion rather than purposeful action.
Figuratively, it describes any chaotic, ineffective effort: The company flailed about for months before finding direction.
- threshSeparate grain from chaff
- jerkAbrupt pulling motion
- flounderStruggle awkwardly, or seafood
- shakeTrembling or blended treat
- struggleLabored effort against resistance
drowning · going under · twist · desperation · wriggle · spasm · kick · convulse · lurch · windmill · scramble · toss · panic · splash · falling · fighting · tumble · escaping