fumble

• Nom désignant une action maladroite des mains, souvent due à la nervosité ou au manque de coordination, qui fait tomber ou rater un objet ; par extension, une erreur ou un faux pas.

A noun referring to an act of using the hands clumsily or dropping something, often due to nervousness or lack of coordination.

1. Clumsy handlingB2informal

   An act of handling something clumsily or nervously, often resulting in dropping it.

   maladresse

   • He made a fumble with the keys and dropped them.
   • Her fumble with the coffee cup caused a spill.
   • The magician's fumble ruined the trick.

   Synonymesblunderbotchbungledropflubfumbling

2. Dropping the ballB2formalamericansport

   In sports, especially American football, the act of losing possession of the ball by dropping it or mishandling it.

   Perte de balle

   • The quarterback's fumble cost the team the game.
   • The referee called a fumble after the tackle.
   • He recovered his own fumble before the defense could.

   Synonymesbutterfingersdropmuff

   Antonymescatchgraspholdsecure

• Verbe utilisé pour décrire l'action de tenir ou de manipuler quelque chose de manière maladroite ou nerveuse, souvent en le faisant tomber ou en perdant la prise. Peut aussi signifier hésiter ou bredouiller en parlant.

A verb used to indicate the act of handling something clumsily or nervously, often resulting in dropping or losing grip.

1. Handle clumsilyB1formal

   To use the hands clumsily or awkwardly, often dropping or mishandling something.

   Manipuler maladroitement

   • He fumbled with the keys while trying to unlock the door.
   • She fumbled the ball during the game.
   • The waiter fumbled the tray, spilling drinks everywhere.

   Synonymesbotchbungleflubmanglemishandle

   Antonymesclutchgraspgriphandle

2. Speak hesitantlyB2formal

   To speak in a confused or hesitant way, often searching for words.

   parler en hésitant

   • He fumbled for an answer during the interview.
   • She fumbled through her speech, forgetting key points.
   • The politician fumbled when asked about the scandal.

   Synonymesfalterflounderhesitatestammerstumblestutter

   Antonymesarticulateenunciate

3. Search awkwardlyB1informal

   To search for something in a clumsy or uncertain manner.

   Chercher à tâtons

   • He fumbled in his pocket for a coin.
   • She fumbled around in the dark for the light switch.
   • They fumbled through the drawer looking for the manual.

   Synonymesfloundergropescrabble