headless

like a headless chicken

With great haste and in a careless and/or senseless manner. Instead of running around like a headless chicken, make a list of the things you need to finish and then work on them in that order.

See also: chicken, headless, like

be running around like a headless chicken

To be acting with great haste and in a careless and/or senseless manner. Before I made a list of the things that I needed to finish, I was running around like a headless chicken.

See also: around, chicken, headless, like, running

run around like a headless chicken

Working quickly and with much activity while trying to accomplish a large number of tasks, perhaps simultaneously. Give yourself enough time before deadline so that you don't have to be running around like a headless chicken at the last minute.

See also: around, chicken, headless, like, run

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 around like chickens with their heads cut off after the servers caught fire, until finally someone thought to cut the power and get a fire extinguisher.

See also: chicken, headless, like, run

be running around like a headless chicken

BRITISH or

be running around like a chicken with its head cut off

mainly AMERICAN

COMMON If you are running around like a headless chicken, you are behaving or moving in an uncontrolled or disorganized way, and not thinking calmly or logically. Instead of running round like a headless chicken, try to use your efforts in a more productive way. They were all running around like chickens with their heads cut off — they didn't know where to go, where to sit, or who to talk to. Note: You can also describe people as being like headless chickens. After the other team scored, we started playing like headless chickens. Note: Chickens have been known to run around for a short time after they have had their heads cut off.

See also: around, chicken, headless, like, running

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

run around like a ˌheadless ˈchicken

be very busy and active trying to do something, but not very organized, with the result that you do not succeed: What a day! I’ve been running around like a headless chicken all day!

After a chicken’s head is cut off its body may continue to move for a few moments.

See also: around, chicken, headless, like, run