faff around
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To waste time fussing and doing nothing useful.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To waste time through disorganized or fussy behaviour instead of taking direct action.
"He spent half an hour faffing around trying to find the right cable."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To engage in unproductive or unnecessary activities when something more important needs attention.
"Can you stop faffing around and help me carry these boxes?"
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Exclusively British English. Functionally identical to 'faff about.' Both forms are common in everyday British speech. Often used when someone is frustrated with another person's lack of progress or efficiency.
Commonly used with
time all day stop about instead
Forms
Base
faff around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
faffs around
he/she/it
Past simple
faffed around
yesterday
Past participle
faffed around
have + pp
-ing form
faffing around
continuous
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