Fumble around in the dark

GROPE

Think of a verb that describes searching awkwardly with your hands, often when you can’t see well or are unsure of what you’re reaching for.

"Fumble around in the dark" hints at the action of searching blindly, which is exactly what "grope" means—trying to find something by touch when you can’t see. The word also carries a slightly awkward or clumsy tone, matching the idea of stumbling in darkness. There’s no hidden wordplay here; it’s a straightforward definition clue where the answer fits the literal meaning.