mess about
Waste time idly
To mess about is to spend time idly or without serious purpose, puttering around rather than accomplishing anything: We spent the afternoon messing about in the garden.
It can also mean to handle something carelessly or to behave irresponsibly toward someone: Don't mess about with my feelings.
Chiefly British; Americans prefer mess around.
Lighthearted playful movement
- rompPlayful, spirited activity
- fool aroundAct without purpose
- horse aroundPlay boisterously and roughly
- goof offIdle instead of working
lark · revel · fiddle · tinker · potter · putter · clown around · skylark
Interfere without invitation
- tamperInterfere harmfully
- fiddle withAdjust idly or nervously
- butt inInterject without welcome
- intrudeEnter uninvited
tinker with · pry · nose around · snoop · encroach · overstep · intermeddle · poke around
frolic
Lighthearted playful movement
- rompPlayful, spirited activity
- fool aroundAct without purpose
- horse aroundPlay boisterously and roughly
goof off · lark · revel · fiddle · tinker · potter · putter · clown around · skylark · caper
meddle
Interfere without invitation
- tamperInterfere harmfully
- fiddle withAdjust idly or nervously
- butt inInterject without welcome
tinker with · intrude · pry · nose around · snoop · encroach · overstep · intermeddle · poke around
mess aboutfocus
Concentrated attention point
work · concentrate · get down to business · buckle down · apply oneself
mess aboutmake progress
Move toward completion
accomplish · achieve · get things done · execute · deliver
about, mess, messed, messes, messiness, messing, messily, messier, messiest