flail
noun
an instrument for threshing grain, consisting of a staff or handle with a freely swinging stick or bar attached to one end of it.
had flailed
-
past perfectof flail.past perfect
Used to express a completed action that took place before another specific past action occurred.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
His Maryland team had flailed through its schedule with an interim coach, knowing early on its postseason hopes already had faded.
From Washington Post ● Mar. 17, 2023
Just when it seemed there was no way out, after the Ducks had flailed through a 1-7-2 start and couldn't find line combinations that clicked, necessity became the mother of their reinvention.
From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 10, 2016
Ashton had flailed an arm at Maurie Fa'asavalu, catching the replacement flanker just above his neck.
From The Guardian ● Mar. 24, 2013
The quick change in direction was all Vancouver’s fourth line needed, as winger Derek Dorsett flicked a centering pass over Holtby, who had flailed his glove and sprawled onto the ice.
From Washington Post
He had slipped aside; Blenham had flailed at the thin air; Royce, grown still again, knew one of the moments of sheer joy which had been his during these last weary months.
From Man to Man by Jackson Gregory
