Knock around
phrasal verb
To spend time in a place or with someone, not doing anything specific.
John and Mary knocked around the city for a few hours before the concert.
Often appears as...
- knock around town
- knock around the house
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To treat someone harshly or without respect.
I won't let anyone knock me around.
Often appears as...
- knock someone around
- knock around your employees
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrasal verb
To consider or discuss an idea or plan, often without making a decision or coming to a conclusion.
We've been knocking around the idea of opening a pizzeria.
Often appears as...
- knock around an idea
- knock around a plan
phrasal verb
Exist or be available, especially in the place you live, work, etc.
There's a spare key knocking around here somewhere.
Often appears as...
- knock around in the house
- knock around at work
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To spend time in a place or with someone, not doing anything specific.
John and Mary knocked around the city for a few hours before the concert.
Often appears as...
- knock around town
- knock around the house
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
phrasal verb
To treat someone harshly or without respect.
I won't let anyone knock me around.
Often appears as...
- knock someone around
- knock around your employees
Usage tips
Disapproving
phrasal verb
To consider or discuss an idea or plan, often without making a decision or coming to a conclusion.
We've been knocking around the idea of opening a pizzeria.
Often appears as...
- knock around an idea
- knock around a plan
phrasal verb
Exist or be available, especially in the place you live, work, etc.
There's a spare key knocking around here somewhere.
Often appears as...
- knock around in the house
- knock around at work
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 4
Pro Tip 1/2Casual Exploration
Use 'knock around' when describing leisurely, unplanned exploration or time-passing activities.
We'll knock around downtown till the movie starts.
Pro Tip 2/2No Destination
'Knock around' suggests a lack of a fixed itinerary or agenda.
I'm just knocking around the festival, seeing what's interesting.
Pro Tip 1/2Casual Exploration
Use 'knock around' when describing leisurely, unplanned exploration or time-passing activities.
We'll knock around downtown till the movie starts.
Pro Tip 2/2No Destination
'Knock around' suggests a lack of a fixed itinerary or agenda.
I'm just knocking around the festival, seeing what's interesting.
Pro Tip 1/2Casual Exploration
Use 'knock around' when describing leisurely, unplanned exploration or time-passing activities.
We'll knock around downtown till the movie starts.
Pro Tip 2/2No Destination
'Knock around' suggests a lack of a fixed itinerary or agenda.
I'm just knocking around the festival, seeing what's interesting.
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