しどろもどろ

noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no', na-adjective

confused; incoherent; flustered

Describes speech or behavior that becomes muddled, disjointed, or self-contradictory, often due to nervousness or panic. Commonly used with なる or in adverbial form しどろもどろに.

• 突とつ然ぜん質しつ問もんされて、彼かれの答こたえはしどろもどろだった。

  When suddenly asked a question, his answer was confused and incoherent.