potter about

Do small tasks

Potter about means to occupy oneself with small, unhurried tasks without any particular purpose or urgency.

It suggests pleasant, aimless activity rather than productive work: I spent Sunday pottering about in the garden.

Chiefly British; Americans would say putter around.

leisure

putter

Club for short strokes

  • dawdleLinger without purpose
  • idleWithout activity or purpose
  • loafBaked bread shape

laze · lounge · mooch · while away · kill time · take it easy · unwind · relax · do nothing · fritter

puttering

tinker

Mender of metal household wares

  • fiddleAdjust restlessly; folk violin
  • fussAgitated, unnecessary concern
  • dabbleEngage superficially

fidget · occupy · household chores · gardening · tidying · rearranging · sorting · tinkering · busying · odds and ends

domestic

kitchen

Food preparation room

  • gardenCultivated plant area
  • shedCast off naturally
  • garageEnclosed vehicle storage structure

home · house · backyard · greenhouse · workshop · attic · basement · cupboards · drawers · toolbox

Opposites
purposefulness and intensity of activity

potter aboutwork hard

Expend serious effort

get down to business · toil · labor · focus · concentrate

pace and energy level

potter aboutrush

Quick sudden movement

hurry · hustle · race · dash · scramble

Family

potter, pottering, pottered, potterer, about

Familiarity
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Profile
Timeless · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G