writhe in (something)
1. To move in twisting, contorted, or squirming motions within something. I looked at the worms writhing in the tub of dirt and nearly got sick. There were about 200 people writhing in the mosh pit at the heavy metal concert.
2. To suffer intense physical or mental distress as a result of some physical or emotional stimulus. The patient writhed in pain as the disease made its way up her spinal column. The audience sat in their chairs writhing in discomfort during the gory film.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.