knock about
The phrase "knock about" has versatile uses in both casual and more specific contexts, ranging from movement to rough treatment.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To move or travel around without a specific purpose or destination.
Example
- We spent the afternoon knocking about the old town.
B2General
(informal)To engage in rough or casual physical activity.
Example
- The kids were knocking about in the backyard.
B2General
(informal)To treat someone or something roughly or carelessly.
Example
- He was known to knock about his old tools without much care.
B2Social
(informal)To spend time with someone in a casual or friendly manner.
Example
- I used to knock about with Sarah during college.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "knock about":
knock onknock inknock underbang aroundknock upknock togetherknock knockknock downknock on the door ofknock backknock overkick aroundknock outknock offup to the knockerask roundknock it offput it aboutbang intobang offknock out of the boxbang outgo aboutknock the living daylights out ofget aboutfeel aroundbang onpostman's knockknock into a cocked hatgo aroundknock on woodbang down the doorlook aroundhit up againstbat aroundtool aroundthrow aboutlook roundgo roundbang awaytoss aroundmake the rounds