balls around

C1 slang inseparable intransitive

In simple words

To waste time and not do anything useful, or to be silly when you should be working.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic slang

rare

(Vulgar, British) To spend time doing nothing serious or to behave foolishly instead of being productive.

"We can't afford to balls around any longer — the deadline is tomorrow."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Vulgar British slang, interchangeable with 'balls about.' Avoid in formal or professional contexts. Expresses impatience or frustration.

day office time work deadline project

Base

balls around

I/you/we/they

3rd person

ballses around

he/she/it

Past simple

ballsed around

yesterday

Past participle

ballsed around

have + pp

-ing form

ballsing around

continuous

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