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bounce around

B1 informal mixed both
In simple words

Moving quickly from one place or idea to another, like a ball bouncing.

Literal meaning: To bounce (move like a ball) in various directions around a space.

Meanings

1 A2 informal

To move energetically or restlessly from place to place.

"The kids were bouncing around the living room, too excited to sit still."

2 B1 idiomatic informal

To discuss or consider ideas, suggestions, or plans informally and without a definite structure.

"We spent the afternoon bouncing ideas around to see if we could find a creative solution."

Grammar: separable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To move frequently between different jobs, places, or situations without settling.

"After graduating, she bounced around several cities before finally settling in Lisbon."

Usage notes

Used both literally (moving around physically) and figuratively (discussing ideas casually). The figurative sense 'bounce ideas around' is very common in workplace and creative contexts.

Commonly used with

ideas suggestions thoughts place to place the room jobs

Forms

Base
bounce around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bounces around
he/she/it
Past simple
bounced around
yesterday
Past participle
bounced around
have + pp
-ing form
bouncing around
continuous

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Synonyms

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