disoriented, running around like a headless chicken
A mulher parecia uma barata tonta depois que o ladrão a ameaçou.
The woman was running around like a headless chicken after the thief threatened her.
Barata tonta ("dizzy cockroach") describes someone who darts about confused and panicky, with no clear direction. The image comes from the everyday sight of a cockroach that, startled by a sudden light or threat, scurries erratically as if it had lost its bearings.
Source: Qual é a Gíria?.
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