thrash about

Idioms

Also, thrash around. Move wildly or violently, as in He thrashed about all night, unable to sleep, or The fish thrashed around on the dock, so Meg threw it back in the water. [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

He thrashed about for a few seconds and shortly after, the ice saw and spear bobbed up to the surface.

From Literature

Whatever it was on his mind, it can't have been pretty, like Amorim's answer as the United head coach thrashed about looking to explain another pitiful display in a season he promised would be better.

From BBC

Crocodile experts have expressed concern about the saltwater crocodile pictured in particular, saying it is unusual that it wasn't thrashing about, trying to escape.

From BBC

When Wingard’s doing the math, it’s an earnest, wacky, hectic ride that often feels like being thrashed about in an Imax seat.

From Los Angeles Times

Your bedmate is whimpering in their sleep and perhaps thrashing about.

From Scientific American

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023