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bandy around

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To keep saying or mentioning something in a careless or irresponsible way.

Literal meaning: 'Bandy' refers to hitting something back and forth; extended to mean passing words or ideas around carelessly.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To mention or repeat a name, word, or statistic carelessly or without proper consideration.

"Various figures have been bandied around, but no one has confirmed the actual cost."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To exchange words, arguments, or ideas back and forth between people.

"Several proposals were bandied around before anyone settled on a plan."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Functionally identical to 'bandy about.' Both British and American English use this form. Often suggests that the speaker disapproves of how freely the word or name is being used.

Commonly used with

name statistics accusation term figure idea

Forms

Base
bandy around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bandies around
he/she/it
Past simple
bandied around
yesterday
Past participle
bandied around
have + pp
-ing form
bandying around
continuous

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Synonyms

toss around throw around bandy about circulate spread use loosely

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