runs around like a chicken with its head cut off
Panics without purpose
To run around like a chicken with its head cut off is to act in a frantic, disorganized way—busy but accomplishing nothing useful.
The image comes from the fact that a decapitated chicken will flap and run briefly before collapsing.
I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off trying to get ready for the move.
- flailingUncontrolled limb movement
- scramblingMoving clumsily in haste
- running in circlesRepetitive, fruitless activity
- fumblingClumsy, uncoordinated handling
- zigzaggingMoving in sharp turns
mad dash · frenzy · wild goose chase · lost cause · confusion · rushing · darting · all over the place · headless · stumbling · busy as a bee · turmoil · agitation · hysteria · nervous wreck · anxiety · panicked · frantic
runs around like a chicken with its head cut offkeeps a cool head
Remains calm despite stress
cool as a cucumber · calm and collected · unflappable · composed · level-headed
runs around like a chicken with its head cut offmethodical
Organized and deliberate
systematic · organized · deliberate · purposeful · efficient
runs around like a chicken with its head cut offfocused
Directing attention narrowly
efficient · directed · purposeful · productive · goal-oriented