run about like a headless chicken

To work or move with great haste and in a careless or senseless manner. Give yourself enough time before deadline so that you aren't running about like a headless chicken at the last minute. Everyone ran about like headless chickens when the servers caught fire, until finally someone thought to cut the power and get a fire extinguisher.

running (or rushing) about like a headless chicken

acting in a panic-stricken manner and not thinking clearly about what should be done.

A decapitated chicken may continue to flap about for a few moments before finally expiring.

See also: chicken, headless, like, running

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

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References in periodicals archive

A rock of order, organisation and discipline in a sea of vacillation and near hysteria with Ieuan Wyn Jones running about like a headless chicken and Mike German slumped in his chair bereft of any idea at all.

Letter: Rag bag coalitions

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