With great haste and in a careless and/or senseless manner. Instead of running around like a headless chicken, make a list of the things you need to finish and then work on them in that order.
Is headless chicken a phrase?
Of American-English origin, the phrase like a headless chicken means in a panic-stricken and unthinking manner. This phrase alludes to the phenomenon whereby a chicken can move about for a short time after decapitation, due to reflex activity of the nervous system.
What does the expression headless chicken mean?
idiom. to be very busy doing a lot of things, but in a way that is not very effective. Thesaurus: synonyms, antonyms, and examples. having a lot to do.
Where did the saying headless chicken come from?
Origin. This idiom originates from as early as the 14th century in England when chickens were popularly killed by chopping off their heads with an axe. Some of the chickens ran around in a panic, crashing into objects after their heads have been chopped off, just before they dropped dead.
What does the idiom chicken mean?
Being afraid or scared
Meaning/Usage: Being afraid or scared. Explanation: Chickens are very timid, afraid or scared of many things. It is common to use animals to express traits such as “sly as a fox” or “strong as a bear.”
What is the meaning of idiom in hot water?
idiom (also get into hot water) to be in or get into a difficult situation in which you are in danger of being criticized or punished: He found himself in hot water over his comments about immigration.
What does the idiom a good turn mean?
If you do someone a good turn, you do something that helps or benefits them. He did you a good turn by resigning.
What does the idiom out of the woods mean?
Out of difficulties, danger or trouble
Out of difficulties, danger or trouble, as in We’re through the worst of the recession—we’re out of the woods now, or That pneumonia was serious, but Charles is finally out of the woods. This expression, alluding to having been lost in a forest, dates from Roman times; it was first recorded in English in 1792.
What is another word for running around?
In this page you can discover 29 synonyms, antonyms, idiomatic expressions, and related words for run around, like: detour, challenge, frolic, lark, rollick, skylark, disport, sport, cavort, gambol and frisk.
Why do I run like a chicken?
(idiomatic) To act in a haphazard or aimless way; to act frantically or without control.
Do chickens have brains?
The chicken brain consists of two halves (known as hemispheres). Each half helps it to process information in a different way. This is known as lateralization and it is more pronounced than that of the human brain.
Is chicken an idiom?
Meaning – A coward. A chicken is used to refer to a person who is nervous, timid or afraid. If you call someone a chicken you are mocking them for being afraid, or trying to provoke them into being brave.
Is chicken out an idiom?
CHICKEN OUT idiom meaning ??? CHICKEN OUT definition: to decide not to do something because you are too frightened. My brother and I were going to go bungee jumping, but at the last minuted I got scared and I chickened out.
Is chicken out a metaphor?
Definition of chicken out
: to decide not to do something because one is afraid He was going to ask her on a date, but he chickened out at the last minute.
What does the idiom When Pigs Fly mean?
something will never happen
Definition of when pigs fly
—used to say that one thinks that something will never happen The train station will be renovated when pigs fly.
What does drop of a hat mean?
Immediately, without delay
Immediately, without delay, as in We were ready to pack our bags and go on vacation at the drop of a hat. This phrase probably alludes to signaling the start of a race or other contest by dropping a hat. [ Late 1800s]
What is the meaning of the idiom black sheep?
Definition of black sheep
: a disfavored or disreputable member of a group.
What does eat your heart out mean in an idiom?
Feel bitter anguish, grief, worry, jealousy, or another strong negative emotion. For example, She is still eating her heart out over being fired, or Eat your heart out—my new car is being delivered today. This hyperbolic expression alludes to strong feelings gnawing at one’s heart. [
What’s cut and dry means?
Definition of cut-and-dried
: being or done according to a plan, set procedure, or formula : routine a cut-and-dried presentation.
What is the meaning of flogging a dead horse?
1 : to keep talking about a subject that has already been discussed or decided I don’t mean to flog a dead horse, but I still don’t understand what happened. 2 : to waste time and effort trying to do something that is impossible Is it just flogging a dead horse to ask for another recount of the votes?
Is swan song an idiom?
The swan song (Ancient Greek: κύκνειον ᾆσμα; Latin: carmen cygni) is a metaphorical phrase for a final gesture, effort, or performance given just before death or retirement.
Lorraine Wade is all about natural food. She loves to cook and bake, and she’s always experimenting with new recipes. Her friends and family are the lucky beneficiaries of her culinary skills! Lorraine also enjoys hiking and exploring nature. She’s a friendly person who loves to chat with others, and she’s always looking for ways to help out in her community.