clown around
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To act silly and funny, like a clown, instead of being serious.
Literal meaning: To act ('around') like a clown ('clown').
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To act in a silly or funny way rather than behaving seriously.
"The students were clowning around at the back of the class and disturbing the lesson."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Common in American and international English. Can be affectionate or mildly critical depending on context. Often used to describe children, entertainers, or adults who are not taking a situation seriously.
Commonly used with
stage class friends children performance party
Forms
Base
clown around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
clowns around
he/she/it
Past simple
clowned around
yesterday
Past participle
clowned around
have + pp
-ing form
clowning around
continuous
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