monkeying around
Acting silly purposelessly
Monkeying around is playful, aimless activity—goofing off rather than doing anything productive.
The image is of monkeys at play, climbing and swinging without purpose.
Often carries a note of mild disapproval: Stop monkeying around and finish your homework.
Can also suggest tinkering carelessly: Who's been monkeying around with the thermostat?
- tomfooleryFoolish or silly behavior
- funny businessDeceptive or mischievous conduct
- shenanigansMischievous or deceitful behavior
- up to no goodIntent on causing trouble
- goofing offIdling instead of working
horseplay · antics · trifling · pranks · hijinks · frolicking · clowning · puttering · idling · loafing · jesting · trickster tales · tricksters · animal mimicry · impish · childish · troublemaking · silliness
monkeying aroundbuckling down
Applying oneself with determination
focusing · getting down to business · concentrating · knuckling down · applying oneself
monkeying aroundbehaving
Acting in acceptable ways
decorum · composure · toeing the line · acting one's age · propriety
around, monkey, monkeys, monkeying, monkey business, monkeyed, monkeylike