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to knock around
/nˈɑːk ɐɹˈaʊnd/
/nˈɒk ɐɹˈaʊnd/
knock aboutto 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.
The carpenter is knocking the piece of wood around with a hammer, shaping it into a chair leg.
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.
He knocks around his belongings without any care for their condition.
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.
I spent the afternoon knocking around town, just window shopping and people-watching.
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.
The old friends had knocked around in their younger days, but they lost touch over the years.
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.
I 'm sure I 'll find my lost earrings eventually. They must be knocking around somewhere in my jewelry box.
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.
They often knock ideas around for their next project during their lunch breaks.
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.
There have been rumors of a new product launch knocking around for months.
