running around like a chicken with its head cut off
Chaotic aimless movement
Acting frantic, disorganized, and purposeless—busy but accomplishing nothing.
The image comes from the fact that chickens can continue moving briefly after decapitation.
The phrase usually describes someone overwhelmed or panicked: I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get ready for the party.
- flailingUncontrolled limb movement
- rushingRapid forward movement
- running lateBehind expected arrival time
- fumblingClumsy, uncoordinated handling
- panicUncontrollable sudden fear
anxiety · nervous wreck · desperation · darting · confusion · spinning · in a tizzy · hysteria · scrambling · zigzagging · agitation · headless · out of control · emergencies · crises · overwhelm · disorganized · deadlines
running around like a chicken with its head cut offcool as a cucumber
Extremely calm and composed
calm and collected · keeping one's cool · unflappable · composed · level-headed
running around like a chicken with its head cut offmethodical
Organized and deliberate
systematic · organized · deliberate · purposeful · efficient