thrashing wings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thrashing wings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the frantic or vigorous movement of wings, often in the context of birds or other flying creatures. Example: "The bird struggled against the net, its thrashing wings creating a flurry of feathers in the air."

✓ Grammatically correct

Arts

Literature

Nature Writing

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

And an early work in this show, Bird Wind, (1955), which imagines an encounter with a bird turning sky-high gives a strong sense of his thinking – a vision of soft air whipped by thrashing wings – is midway between the figurative and the abstract.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These South American ducks earned their name by running across water and thrashing their wings like the wheels on a steamboat.

Britannica

As your child moves through the teenage phase of his life he is like the butterfly that must thrash around to strengthen its wings before leaving the cocoon.

Huffington Post

"Spread sheet Phil" is said to be not completely sold on Theresa May's plan to help these people, so it was nice of him to throw some water wings to the people thrashing about and gasping for air.

Vice

The cadets turned the birds in on Saturday morning, but not before Aurora suffered abrasions that bloodied her wings, likely when she was thrashing inside the crate, Mr. Dollar said.

The New York Times

The curve-billed thrasher generally measures 25 to 28 cm (10 to 12 inches) long, and is immediately recognized as a thrasher by its long tail and short wings.

Wikipedia

They surrendered the birds Saturday morning and Aurora's wings were bloodied, possibly because the bird thrashed inside the crate.

The Washington Post

The polls show Mr. Barak losing to right-wing opponents generally, but taking a real thrashing from former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The New York Times

It is 7kg of dense, thrashing muscle, utterly alien with its twisted face and deltoid wings.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Have the assistant pick up the bird with a hand towel, and "swaddle" the bird, making sure the wings are supported, you don't want the bird thrashing about, possibly breaking it's wing.

WikiHow

His powerful wings, spanning longer than his body should allow, thrashed like an eagle.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "thrashing wings" to vividly describe a sense of struggle, energy, or chaotic motion, especially when referring to birds or mythical creatures. The phrase evokes a strong visual image.

Common error

Avoid using "thrashing wings" in overly formal or technical writing, as it can sound too dramatic or informal. Opt for more neutral descriptions like "flapping wings" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thrashing wings" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a descriptive element within a sentence. As Ludwig AI points out, it conjures a vision of rapid, forceful movement.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Wiki

27%

Science

13%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "thrashing wings" is a grammatically sound and vivid phrase used to describe the forceful and often frantic movement of wings. While not particularly common, its usage adds a layer of intensity and drama to the description. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, and related phrases like "flapping wings" or "beating wings" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. When writing, consider the context to see if the connotation of "thrashing" fits your description, as it suggests a higher state of distress than other similar terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flapping wings

Highlights the up-and-down motion of wings, often implying a struggle or effort.

beating wings

Focuses on the rhythmic and repetitive motion of wings, often during flight.

vigorously flapping wings

Adds emphasis to the flapping motion, highlighting the energetic and forceful nature of the movement.

flailing wings

Emphasizes a more uncontrolled or desperate movement compared to the standard action.

pumping wings

Describes a strong, rhythmic action of the wings as they push air.

fluttering wings

Suggests a light, rapid, and often delicate movement of wings.

vibrating wings

Highlights the rapid oscillation of wings, often associated with hummingbirds or insects.

whirring wings

Suggests a fast, circular motion of the wings, creating a buzzing sound.

agitating wings

Indicates a more forceful or disturbed movement of wings, possibly due to distress.

quivering wings

Emphasizes a trembling or shaking motion, often indicating fear or cold.

FAQs

How can I use "thrashing wings" in a sentence?

You can use "thrashing wings" to describe the movement of a bird struggling to escape, such as, "The hawk, caught in the net, beat its "thrashing wings" against the mesh."

What is a good alternative to "thrashing wings"?

Depending on the context, you could use "flapping wings", "beating wings", or "flailing wings" as alternatives. Each carries a slightly different nuance regarding the intensity and control of the movement.

When is it appropriate to use "thrashing wings" in writing?

It's best used when you want to evoke a sense of struggle, desperation, or chaotic energy in the movement of wings. It works well in creative writing, descriptive passages, or when conveying a sense of conflict.

Is "thrashing wings" a common phrase?

While grammatically correct and easily understood, "thrashing wings" is not as common as simpler alternatives like "flapping wings" or "beating wings". Its relative rarity can add impact when used intentionally.