Definition

Noun: 1. The act of mixing cards haphazardly: The action of randomizing a deck of playing cards by moving them over one another. 2. Walking with a slow, dragging motion without lifting your feet: A manner of walking characterized by short, sliding steps where the feet are not properly lifted from the ground.

Usage and Examples

• Mixing Cards:
  • After the deal, it was her turn for the shuffling.
  • A good shuffling of the deck ensures a fair game.
• Dragging Walk:
  • The old man's slow shuffling could be heard from down the hall.
  • We could recognize his approach by the distinctive shuffling of his feet.

Advanced Usage

• "shuffling of the cabinet" (Metaphorical): A reorganization or reassignment of positions within a government or organization.
  • The prime minister announced a major shuffling of his cabinet.
• "shuffling along": Often used to describe the action itself, emphasizing the slow, labored movement.
  • He was shuffling along the corridor, leaning on his walker.

Variants and Related Words

• Shuffle (verb): The action form of the noun.
  • Please shuffle the cards thoroughly. (to mix)
  • He had to shuffle through the piles of paper on his desk. (to move things around)
  • She shuffled into the room, looking tired. (to walk with a dragging gait)
• Shuffler (noun): A person or device that shuffles.
  • An automatic card shuffler.
• Shambling (noun/adjective): A very close synonym for the walking sense, implying an awkward, clumsy, or unsteady gait.

Synonyms

• For mixing cards: Mixing, riffling, scrambling.
• For the walking motion: Shambling, scuffling, dragging one's feet.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To shuffle off this mortal coil: A literary idiom (from Shakespeare's ) meaning to die.
  • He shuffled off this mortal coil peacefully in his sleep.
• Lost in the shuffle: To be overlooked or forgotten during a busy process or reorganization.
  • Amidst all the company changes, her original proposal got lost in the shuffle.

Noun

1. the act of mixing cards haphazardly
2. walking with a slow dragging motion without lifting your feet
   • from his shambling I assumed he was very old