patauger
Meanings
Verb
1. to paddle around, splash about
2. to squelch around, wade through (in mud, in wet terrain)
3. to flounder around (in mud or snow)
4. to flounder, get bogged down (figurative, figuratively)
Examples4
Le bébé pataugeait dans le bain.
The baby was splashing in the bathtub.
Combien de temps as-tu passé à patauger avant de demander de l'aide ?
How long did you flounder around before you asked for help?
La rivière est assez basse pour patauger jusqu'à l'autre rive.
This river is shallow enough to wade to the other side.
Il y avait un canard qui pataugeait dans la mare.
There was a duck wading in the pond.