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like a chicken with its head cut off
/lˈaɪk ɐ tʃˈɪkɪn wɪð ɪts hˈɛd kˈʌt ˈɒf/
/lˈaɪk ɐ tʃˈɪkɪn wɪð ɪts hˈɛd kˈʌt ˈɔf/
like a chicken with its head cut off
[PHRASE]What is the origin of the idiom "like a chicken with its head cut off" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "like a chicken with its head cut off" can be traced back to the practice of slaughtering chickens for meat. After decapitation, a chicken's body can exhibit spasmodic movements due to nerve impulses and residual brain activity. This observation led to the development of such idiomatic expression. This expression can be used in various contexts, such as describing someone rushing around in a state of confusion, a team or organization dealing with a sudden crisis or unexpected event, or a person reacting impulsively without a clear plan.
Examples
1. He was running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
2. Other mistakes made are not working together or finding a position to defend, I wouldn’t run around like a chicken with its head cut off.
3. In this situation, I wouldn’t run around like a chicken with its head cut off.
4. Next, run around like a chicken with its head cut off.
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