flail

• Substantivo que designa um instrumento agrícola para debulhar cereais, formado por um cabo longo com uma parte mais curta que gira livremente na ponta; também é usado metaforicamente para algo que bate ou golpeia.

A noun referring to a tool used for threshing grain, consisting of a long handle with a shorter, free-swinging stick attached to its end; also used metaphorically for something that strikes or beats.

1. Agricultural toolC1formal

   A handheld tool consisting of a long handle with a shorter, free-swinging stick attached to it, used for threshing grain.

   Mangual

   • The farmer used a flail to separate the wheat from the chaff.
   • In medieval times, the flail was a common farming implement.
   • He swung the flail rhythmically over the harvested grain.

• Verbo usado para descrever o ato de agitar ou balançar algo de um lado para o outro, muitas vezes de forma descontrolada, ou de bater com movimentos amplos e irregulares; também pode indicar debater-se ou espernear sem controle.

A verb used to describe the act of waving or swinging wildly, often in an uncontrolled manner, or to thrash about.

1. Wave or swing wildlyB2formal

   To wave or swing the arms or legs about wildly, often without control.

   Debater-se

   • The drowning man flailed his arms in the water.
   • She flailed her legs while trying to keep her balance.
   • He flailed wildly as he fell off the horse.

   Sinônimosbatflounderswingthrashwavewindmillwrithe

2. Thrash or beatC1formal

   To beat or strike something, often with a stick or whip.

   Bater ou golpear

   • The farmer flailed the wheat to separate the grain.
   • He flailed the rug to remove the dust.
   • The guard flailed the prisoner with a whip.

   Sinônimosbatterbeatcudgellashpoundthrashwhip

3. Struggle or move clumsilyB2informal

   To move in a clumsy, uncontrolled way, often due to panic or lack of coordination.

   Debater-se

   • The child flailed about in the deep snow.
   • He flailed his arms trying to catch the ball.
   • She flailed around in the dark, searching for the light switch.

   Sinônimosblunderflounderlurchstaggerstumblethrash

   Antônimoscomposecontrol