bat about
B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words
To casually talk about ideas without making a decision; to hit something around in different directions.
Literal meaning: To bat (strike) something in various directions — the idiomatic leap is from physical batting to mental exploration of ideas.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To discuss ideas or options casually and without reaching a decision.
"We've been batting a few ideas about but haven't settled on anything yet."
Grammar: separable
2 B2 informal
To hit or knock something repeatedly in various directions.
"The cat was batting the toy about the kitchen floor."
Grammar: separable
Usage notes
Chiefly British. The 'discuss casually' sense is more common. The metaphor comes from batting a ball back and forth. Often used in meetings or brainstorming contexts to mean exploring ideas without committing to any.
Commonly used with
ideas suggestions options proposals thoughts names
Forms
Base
bat about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bats about
he/she/it
Past simple
bated about
yesterday
Past participle
bated about
have + pp
-ing form
bating about
continuous
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