muck about
The phrase 'muck about' is commonly used in British and Australian English to describe idle, playful, or careless behavior.
Definition
B2General
(informal)To spend time doing unplanned or non-serious activities.
Example
- We just mucked about all afternoon, not really doing anything productive.
B2Equipment Use
(informal)To try using something without understanding it properly.
Example
- He spent hours mucking about with the new software, not really knowing what he was doing.
B2Behavior
(informal)To act in a playful or high-spirited manner, not taking the situation seriously.
Example
- The kids were mucking about in the garden, laughing and playing.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "muck about":
mess aroundmess aboutscrew aroundmuck updick aroundfool aroundfiddle aroundplay aroundfanny aboutjerk aroundtool aroundpiss aboutmess withfuck aroundjoke aroundmuddle upkick aroundmuddy upfiddle withput it aboutbugger upput oneself aboutmess upbang aroundtoss aroundfoul upstuff upgoof upprat aboutwallow in the mirescrew uptrifle withfiddle awaytake the pissmuss up