But when faced with just such actions by John Deutch in late 1996, the C.I.A. and the Justice Department badly fumbled the case.

The object of Speed's rage was a squeamish crook whose fingers were fumbling badly with the dial of the vault.

She did play in the next match, but fumbled badly.

As Slink fumbled badly for the trigger of his gun, The Shadow performed a fade-out.

Then last week happened: RIM fumbled, and fumbled badly.

"If he had fallen off the stage or fainted dead away, or fumbled badly, but he didn't do that," Dr. Jillson said.

Victoria's shaking fingers fumbled badly on her shirt buttons.

His hand shook as he worked the doorknob, and he fumbled badly.

In addition, Savoy, eager to become an industry player, gave extraordinary powers to directors like Mr. Marshall and Mr. Davis, who fumbled badly.

Fumbling badly from the cold and fright, I got my folding penknife from its usual pocket, clutching it hard lest I drop it.