Flail: meaning, definitions and examples

This word is often used to describe a tool used in agriculture for threshing grain or the act of moving wildly or swinging something uncontrollably. It's also used metaphorically to describe someone struggling or not in control.

• He used a flail to separate the grains from the chaff
• During the storm, the trees flailed in the strong wind
• She flailed her arms, trying to regain balance

A term used specifically within the agricultural sector to describe any tool or machinery used to separate grains from their husks or straw. It's a technical term and less commonly used in everyday conversation.

• The farmer used a modern threshing tool to process the harvested wheat
• Old-fashioned threshing tools are often displayed in agricultural museums

Generally refers to an object or person that beats something. Commonly used to describe kitchen utensils used for mixing ingredients or someone who beats materials in crafting. Can also have a more informal, sometimes negative connotation when referring to an old car (beater car) or a person who hits others.

• She used an egg beater to whip the cream
• The old beater car barely made it down the road
• He was known as the beater in the pottery workshop

A traditional agricultural tool used for threshing grain, comprised of a long wooden handle connected to a shorter, freely-swinging stick. It can also describe a wild or uncontrolled movement.

• The farmer used a flail to separate the grain from the chaff.
• The scared cat began to flail its paws wildly.

An ancient weapon with a heavy head on a solid shaft, used historically in combat. It can also refer to the ceremonial staff carried as a symbol of authority.

• The knight swung his mace at his enemy.
• The city official carried a ceremonial mace during the procession.

A spiked weapon consisting of a ball with spikes attached to a handle, typically used in medieval warfare. This term does not have many modern uses.

• The warrior held a morning star, ready to defend his castle.

Used when someone is moving their arms and legs quickly and uncontrollably, often in a situation where they are struggling or panicking.

• He started to flail in the water when he realized he couldn't swim.
• During the dance routine, she accidentally flailed her arms too forcefully.

Typically describes violent or frantic movements, often associated with being in pain, anger, or struggle. It has a more aggressive connotation compared to 'flail'.

• The fish thrashed wildly on the deck of the boat.
• In his rage, he thrashed about the room, knocking over furniture.

Refers to someone making clumsy movements or struggling awkwardly, especially when trying to find their footing or direction, often linked with confusion or ineffectiveness.

• He floundered in the deep snow, unable to move forward.
• She floundered during her presentation, forgetting her main points.