flail

• 名词，指一种打谷农具，由长柄和末端自由摆动的短棒组成；也比喻反复敲打或打击的东西。

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.

   连枷

   • 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.

• 动词，形容（尤指失控地）来回挥动或摆动，或猛烈拍打、扑腾。

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.

   乱挥

   • 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.

   同义词batflounderswingthrashwavewindmillwrithe

2. Thrash or beatC1formal

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

   抽打或击打

   • 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.

   同义词batterbeatcudgellashpoundthrashwhip

3. Struggle or move clumsilyB2informal

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

   乱动挣扎

   • 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.

   同义词blunderflounderlurchstaggerstumblethrash

   反义词composecontrol