Phrase guide

run around like a chicken with its head cut off

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To act in a haphazard or aimless way; to act frantically or without control.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

Examples

  • The president doesn't know what to do. He's running around like a chicken with its head cut off.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

7 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: kuin päätön kana — To act in a haphazard or aimless way
  • German: kopflos herumrennen — To act in a haphazard or aimless way
  • Russian: носиться, как угорелый (nositʹsja, kak ugorelyj) — To act in a haphazard or aimless way
  • Scottish Gaelic: mar chù a' mùin air an t-sneachd — To act in a haphazard or aimless way
  • Spanish: ir como pollo sin cabeza — To act in a haphazard or aimless way
  • Swedish: springa omkring som yra höns — To act in a haphazard or aimless way
  • Vietnamese: chạy như con gà cắt cổ — To act in a haphazard or aimless way