蠢しゅん動どう

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

wriggling; squirming; writhing

Describes the physical movement of many small creatures, such as insects or worms, wriggling together. Often used in literary or descriptive contexts.

• 腐くさった肉にくに蛆うじが蠢しゅん動どうしている。

  Maggots are wriggling in the rotten meat.

noun, noun or participle which takes 'suru', intransitive verb

maneuvering behind the scenes; plotting mischief

Figurative use: describes insignificant people or groups scheming or maneuvering secretly, often with a negative connotation. Common in political or social commentary.

• 党とう内ないでは次つぎの選せん挙きょに向むけて様さま々ざまな思おも惑わくが蠢しゅん動どうしている。

  Various schemes are maneuvering behind the scenes within the party for the next election.