messes about
Goofs off aimlessly
Messes about means to spend time idly or without serious purpose, often implying playful or aimless activity: We spent the afternoon messing about on the river.
It can also mean to handle something carelessly or to behave irresponsibly: Stop messing about and get to work.
Chiefly British; the American equivalent is usually *messes around*.
- try outTest before committing
- dawdleLinger without purpose
- horseplayBoisterous rough behavior
- frolicLighthearted playful movement
- potterMaker of clay vessels
dabble · tinker · fool around · play the fool · procrastinate · waste time · kill time · romp · banter · shilly-shally · clown · improvise · horse around · joke around · have a laugh · just kidding · hang out · meander
messes aboutfocuses
Concentrates attention on
concentrates · applies oneself · gets down to business · buckles down · knuckles down
mess, messes, messed, messing, messy, messier, messiest, messily, messiness