Running around like a headless chicken

Meaning

The idiom "running around like a headless chicken" means to behave in a panic or to be very anxious, nervous or agitated about something. It is often used to describe someone who is running around frantically without any clear purpose or direction.

Usage

• Sarah was running around like a headless chicken when she lost her keys and couldn't find them anywhere.
• The team was running around like a headless chicken after they failed to score any points in the final match.
• John was running around like a headless chicken trying to find his plane ticket for the meeting.
• The company was running around like a headless chicken when the CEO resigned unexpectedly.
• The students were running around like a headless chicken after they found out that their exams had been postponed.

Roots and History

The idiom "running around like a headless chicken" dates back to the 18th century and originated from a popular nursery rhyme called "The Headless Horseman". In this rhyme, a headless horseman rides through the countryside, scaring everyone he encounters. The phrase became popular and was later used in various forms of literature and media, including poetry, novels, and films. Over time, the meaning of the idiom has evolved to describe someone who is behaving in a similar way, without any clear direction or purpose.

Synonyms in English

• In a flap
• Upset
• Agitated
• Flustered
• Confused

Synonyms in other languages

• Enfuir (French) - To run around in a panic
• 犸心 (Japanese) - To feel anxious or worried about something
• 狂涣 (Chinese) - To become very agitated or upset
• बहुतीरित (Indian) - To be very nervous or anxious about something
• זלון תצעד חברה (Hebrew) - To run around in a panic or to be very anxious.

Similar Idioms

• rabbit hole

• blind as a bat

• ducks and drakes