Muck about with

usgb
verb

To behave in a silly or playful way; to waste time.

Stop mucking about with your food and eat it.
Visual representation of "muck about with" - To behave in a silly or playful way; to waste time

Often appears as...

  • mucking about with friends
  • mucking about with toys

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "muck about with"
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Playful Context

Use 'muck about with' when referring to casual, non-serious activities.

Illustration for Playful Context
The kids were mucking about with their new puppy in the garden.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Time Wasting

Implies time could be better spent; often used to call out unproductive behavior.

Illustration for Time Wasting
He's just mucking about with his phone instead of studying.
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Light Scolding

Can be used to mildly scold someone, especially in an affectionate way.

Illustration for Light Scolding
Mum told us to stop mucking about with the hose before we soaked everyone!
Visual representation of the word "Muck about with"

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