Struggling or flailing about (kicking and wriggling); describing vigorous, restless movements often when in distress or trying to escape.
子猫が袋の中でジタバタして助けを求めていた。
The kitten was wriggling frantically in the bag, seeking help.
魚を取り逃がしてしまい、釣り人がジタバタした。
Having lost the fish, the angler flailed about in frustration.
ベッドに縛られた人形がジタバタと動いているアニメのシーンだった。
It was an anime scene where a doll tied to the bed was flailing about.
To panic or make a fuss; to run about in a flustered, ineffectual way.
試験に遅れそうになって学生たちがジタバタしていた。
Students were panicking and rushing around as they were about to be late for the exam.
火事の知らせで家族がジタバタと外に出た。
On hearing about the fire, the family hurried out in a fluster.
彼は重要なプレゼンでミスをして、しばらくジタバタしていたが何とか持ち直した。
He made a mistake in an important presentation and panicked for a bit, but somehow recovered.