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to knock around
[phrase form: knock]
01
to strike someone or something multiple times
Transitive: to knock around sb/sth
Example
The boxer is knocking around his opponent with heavy punches.
The children were knocking around the ball back and forth, playing a game of catch.
1.1
to treat someone or something in a careless, rough, or disrespectful manner
Transitive: to knock around sb/sth
Example
He knocks around his belongings without any care for their condition.
The bully knocked around the smaller child, picking on him for his size and weakness.
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
Example
They were knocking around the bookstore, browsing through shelves filled with literary treasures.
I knocked around Australia for a few years after college, working odd jobs and enjoying the laid-back lifestyle.
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
Example
They knock around with the same group of friends every weekend.
The old friends had knocked around in their younger days, but they lost touch over the years.
We 're currently knocking around together, exploring the local area and discovering hidden gems.
04
to be somewhere nearby, but the exact location is unknown
Intransitive: to knock around somewhere
Example
My keys must be knocking around here somewhere.
The missing file must be knocking around in the vast archives of the company 's records.
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
Example
The designers were knocking around different color schemes for the website.
The travel destinations were knocked around by the group before making a final decision.
The various theories to explain the observed phenomenon were knocked around by the scientists.
06
(of ideas, plans, etc.) to be casually discussed or brainstormed over a period of time
Intransitive: to knock around | to knock around sometime
Example
The idea of a company retreat has been knocking around for a while.
These ideas have been knocking around for years, but no one has taken any concrete action yet.
The possibility of a merger has been knocking around ever since the two companies started working together.
Example
The boxer is knocking around his opponent with heavy punches.
The children were knocking around the ball back and forth, playing a game of catch.
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