running about like a headless chicken

run about like a headless chicken

To work or move with great haste and in a careless or senseless manner. Give yourself enough time before deadline so that you aren't running about like a headless chicken at the last minute. Everyone ran around like chickens with their heads cut off after the servers caught fire, until finally someone thought to cut the power and get a fire extinguisher.
See also: chicken, headless, like, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

running (or rushing) about like a headless chicken

acting in a panic-stricken manner and not thinking clearly about what should be done.
A decapitated chicken may continue to flap about for a few moments before finally expiring.
See also: chicken, headless, like, running
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • run about like a headless chicken
  • be running around like a headless chicken
  • headless
  • like a chicken with its head cut off
  • like a headless chicken
  • haste
  • be in great haste
  • rush through
  • rush into
  • rush into (something)
References in periodicals archive
A rock of order, organisation and discipline in a sea of vacillation and near hysteria with Ieuan Wyn Jones running about like a headless chicken and Mike German slumped in his chair bereft of any idea at all.
Letter: Rag bag coalitions