flail about

verb2

1. •
   To wave one's arms (or upper body) about violently, rather like a flail.

   • Barry continued to shout obscenities and to flail about in a strait jacket, finally succumbing to the effects of intravenously administered tranquilizers. — 1969
2. •
   (figurative) To make efforts that are strenuous but disorganized and ineffectual.