Muck about

verb

To spend time not doing much, to be idle or to waste time.

He spent the whole day mucking about and not getting any work done.
Visual representation of "muck about" - To spend time not doing much, to be idle or to waste time

Often appears as...

  • muck about doing nothing
  • muck about all day

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

verb

To fool around, to behave in a silly way, especially in a way that might be annoying or dangerous.

Stop mucking about with that knife, it's not a toy.
Visual representation of "muck about" - To fool around, to behave in a silly way, especially in a way that might be annoying or dangerous

Often appears as...

  • muck about with tools
  • muck about in the kitchen

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

verb

To spend time not doing much, to be idle or to waste time.

He spent the whole day mucking about and not getting any work done.
Visual representation of "muck about" - To spend time not doing much, to be idle or to waste time

Often appears as...

  • muck about doing nothing
  • muck about all day

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

verb

To fool around, to behave in a silly way, especially in a way that might be annoying or dangerous.

Stop mucking about with that knife, it's not a toy.
Visual representation of "muck about" - To fool around, to behave in a silly way, especially in a way that might be annoying or dangerous

Often appears as...

  • muck about with tools
  • muck about in the kitchen

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "muck about"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Casual Tone

Used in informal situations. Avoid in a professional setting or formal writing.

Illustration for Casual Tone
I'll just muck about at the park this afternoon.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Lack of Productivity

Suggests not using time effectively. Can imply laziness or procrastination.

Illustration for Lack of Productivity
He mucked about instead of finishing his essay.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Leisurely Context

Often refers to relaxed, leisure activities without a specific goal.

Illustration for Leisurely Context
We spent our holiday mucking about on the beach.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Casual Tone

Used in informal situations. Avoid in a professional setting or formal writing.

Illustration for Casual Tone
I'll just muck about at the park this afternoon.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Lack of Productivity

Suggests not using time effectively. Can imply laziness or procrastination.

Illustration for Lack of Productivity
He mucked about instead of finishing his essay.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Leisurely Context

Often refers to relaxed, leisure activities without a specific goal.

Illustration for Leisurely Context
We spent our holiday mucking about on the beach.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Casual Tone

Used in informal situations. Avoid in a professional setting or formal writing.

Illustration for Casual Tone
I'll just muck about at the park this afternoon.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Lack of Productivity

Suggests not using time effectively. Can imply laziness or procrastination.

Illustration for Lack of Productivity
He mucked about instead of finishing his essay.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Leisurely Context

Often refers to relaxed, leisure activities without a specific goal.

Illustration for Leisurely Context
We spent our holiday mucking about on the beach.
Visual representation of the word "Muck about"

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