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to knock around
[phrase form: knock]
01
to strike someone or something multiple times
Transitive: to knock around sb/sth
Examples
The boxer is knocking around his opponent with heavy punches.
1.1
to treat someone or something in a careless, rough, or disrespectful manner
Transitive: to knock around sb/sth
Examples
The company is knocking around its employees, expecting them to work long hours for little pay.
02
to spend time or travel without a clear plan or direction
Transitive: to knock around a place
Examples
He 's a seasoned wanderer who has been knocking around the globe for over two decades.
03
to spend a considerable amount of time with someone, often implying close companionship or romantic involvement
Intransitive
Examples
The two have been knocking around since they met at university, forming an unbreakable bond.
04
to be somewhere nearby, but the exact location is unknown
Dialect
British
BritishIntransitive: to knock around somewhere
Examples
My keys must be knocking around here somewhere. I just ca n't seem to find them.
05
to casually discuss or think about ideas, plans, or possibilities
Transitive: to knock around an idea or plan
Examples
I knocked some potential solutions around to the problem with my friend, but we did n't come up with anything definitive.
06
(of ideas, plans, etc.) to be casually discussed or brainstormed over a period of time
Intransitive: to knock around | to knock around sometime
Examples
These ideas have been knocking around for years, but no one has taken any concrete action yet.
