flail

/fleɪl/ (bre, ipa) · /fleɪl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈflāl/ (ame, mw)

flail — verb

  • flailpresent simple I / you / we / they
  • flailshe / she / it
  • flailedpast simple
  • flailing-ing form

1. to throw your arms, legs, or whole body about in a wild way because you are scar

1.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to throw your arms, legs, or whole body about in a wild way because you are scared, in pain, or losing balance.

例句

Min flailed her arms after stepping on the loose edge of the dock.

flail your arms after losing balance

Devika flailed in the deep end until a coach pulled her up.

同義詞
  • thrash

    often suggests even more violent repeated movement, especially in water or against a surface

  • writhe

    focuses more on twisting from pain than on broad swinging movement

  • struggle

    broader and can describe effort without wild body motion

文法句型

flail around

flail your arms

flail in the water

用法筆記

Often used when someone is panicking, falling, or trapped. It suggests wild movement, not a calm wave or signal.

常見錯誤

❌Layla flailed to greet us from the gate.
✅Layla waved to greet us from the gate.
💡'flail' suggests desperate or uncontrolled movement, not a normal greeting.

2. to hit a person or thing with repeated swinging blows, often in anger or by usin

2.動詞及物C2
釋義

to hit a person or thing with repeated swinging blows, often in anger or by using a long object.

例句

Caio flailed the tall weeds with a bamboo stick before the picnic.

flail something with a stick

Kemi flailed the locked shed door with a metal pole.

同義詞
  • batter

    emphasizes damage from repeated heavy hits

  • thrash

    often suggests punishing someone more severely

  • pummel

    usually focuses on repeated blows with fists rather than a long object

文法句型

flail something with a stick

flail the rug against a wall

flail the weeds before walking through

用法筆記

Usually takes a direct object and often names the tool used. It suggests repeated heavy swings, not one careful hit.

常見錯誤

❌Quan flailed the nail into the board.
✅Quan hammered the nail into the board.
💡'flail' is violent repeated beating, not a precise strike for putting in a nail.

flail — noun