laɪk ə ˈhɛdlɪs ˈtʃɪkɪn
Animals
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- Behaving like a chicken that has lost its head
What does "like a headless chicken" mean?
- Acting in a frantic, disorganized manner
- Running around chaotically without purpose
Examples
- I've been running around like a headless chicken all morning.
- Stop acting like a headless chicken and make a plan.
- The office was like a headless chicken before the deadline.
Origin
From the fact that chickens can run around briefly after being decapitated. The movement is frantic but purposeless.
How to use it
Describes chaotic, unproductive activity. Often self-deprecating humor.
Similar expressions
frantic
panicked
disorganized
chaotic
Opposites
calm
organized
methodical
Related idioms
- kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two goals with a single action
- let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret accidentally
- elephant in the room
An obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss
- don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't assume success before it actually happens
- hold your horses
To wait and be patient
- fish out of water
Someone who feels awkward or uncomfortable in a particular situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "like a headless chicken" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.