# run around like a chicken with its head cut off

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/run-around-like-a-chicken-with-its-head-cut-off
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To act in a haphazard or aimless way; to act frantically or without control.

## Examples

- Stop running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
- The office was chaotic, and everyone was running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to finish the report.
- Without a clear plan, the team spent the entire afternoon running around like a chicken with its head cut off, accomplishing nothing of value.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.