mess around
phrasal verbmess around
(British English also mess about)
- to behave in a silly and annoying way, especially instead of doing something useful synonym fool around
- Will you stop messing around and get on with some work?
- I messed around in my first year at college.
- to spend time doing something for pleasure in a relaxed way
- We spent the day messing around on the river.
mess somebody around
(British English also mess somebody about)
- (British English) to treat somebody in an unfair and annoying way, especially by changing your mind a lot or not doing what you said you would
- I’m sorry to mess you about but there are a few last-minute changes.