fumble
Translation
to handle clumsily, to grope, to speak hesitantly, to mishandle a ball
Examples
He fumbled for his keys in the dark.
He fumbled for his keys in the dark.
She fumbled with the buttons on her coat.
She fumbled with the buttons on her coat.
The player fumbled the ball near the goal.
The player fumbled the ball near the goal.
Grammar Patterns
((for sth.)) to search clumsily for (sth.) He fumbled for his keys in the dark.
((with sth.)) to handle (sth.) clumsily She fumbled with the buttons on her coat.
((sth.)) to drop or mishandle (sth.) The player fumbled the ball near the goal.
Similar Words
Synonyms: grope, mishandle, stumble
Etymology
Likely of Scandinavian origin, related to words meaning 'to grope' or 'to handle clumsily'.
Memory Tips
Think of a football player who fumbles the ball – they drop it accidentally. This image of clumsiness is key.