arse around
C1 slang inseparable intransitive
In simple words
Waste time being silly, or handle something badly and inefficiently.
Literal meaning: 'Arse' is a rude word for buttocks; 'around' suggests aimless movement in no particular direction.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
slang
To waste time behaving in an unproductive or silly manner.
"We can't keep arseing around — the deadline is tomorrow morning."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Vulgar British and Australian slang. Nearly synonymous with 'arse about'. Can also imply making a mess of something through incompetence. Avoid in formal or professional settings. American equivalent: 'ass around'.
Commonly used with
all day work time task job
Forms
Base
arse around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
arses around
he/she/it
Past simple
arsed around
yesterday
Past participle
arsed around
have + pp
-ing form
arsing around
continuous
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