to flap

Examples

• All

• What are you flapping about?

  The Three Stooges (2012)

• But more often than not, they simply weren't there, and he was left flapping in the breeze for an explanation.

  Fiction book (2001)

• But then a remarkable thing happened: his son started to flap about, spluttering and laughing.

  Fiction book (1993)

• When he is stressed or confused, he will twirl his hair, flap his hands, or begin to cry.

  Academic text (2015)

• I mean, you've been flapping around in that thing for over a week.

  Mostly Ghostly (2008)

• "Are you all right?" She flaps her hands, unable to speak, looking frantic.

  Fiction book (1996)

• You'd be wise to get some rest, too, instead of flapping around.

  Fiction book (1995)

• I couldn't stop flapping my arms at him while I yelled.

  Fiction book (1993)

• I withdrew my hands, splayed them, and began flapping them at my sides, senseless as any 12-year-old.

  Fiction book (1991)

• When the meeting ran late, she began to flap, pacing back and forth nervously.

Synonyms

F

to fret

vsto flap

67 4.2

Make someone feel worried or annoyed about small things

tends to describe outward agitation or nervous behaviour not only inner worry

F

to fidget

vsto flap

26 3.4

To make small nervous movements, often with hands or feet

is broader, involving visible agitation or anxiety not limited to movements

F

to fuss

vsto flap

19 2.8

To worry too much about small things

is more about general anxiety or nervous action rather than only worry

D

to dither

vsto flap

8 7.7

To act nervously and be unable to decide quickly

focuses on indecision and delay rather than general agitation or anxiety

F

to fuffle

vsto flap

• Informal

9.9

To act nervously and make a small fuss

is broader, showing general anxiety or agitation in many situations

P

to pother

vsto flap

• Archaic

9.9

Act nervously and make a fuss about something small

is wider, expressing agitation or anxiety beyond just trivial disturbance

Antonyms

C

calm

52 1.0

A quiet, peaceful feeling that helps you stay steady

C

composure

38 5.1

Calm control of your feelings and actions in a difficult situation

Idioms

F

to flap one's gums

• Informal

2 8.7

Talk a lot about things that do not matter

Compounds

T

tent flap

1 2.9

A piece of cloth like a door that opens and closes at a tent entrance

P

pocket flap

1 3.5

A piece of cloth that covers a pocket opening to keep things safe and make the pocket look neater

F

flap flap

6.8

The repeated sound wings make when they move

L

landing flap

• Specialized

5.5

A part under a plane wing that moves down to give more lift and slow the plane when landing

How Agitated

to panic

272 2.3

to flap

• UK

16 6.3

to fret

67 4.2

to fidget

26 3.4

to play it cool

• Informal

27 4.5

Surface Forms

Etymology