fuss around
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To be busy in a nervous, worried way without really achieving anything important.
Literal meaning: To move around in a fussy (overly anxious) manner.
Meanings
1 B1 informal
To move about in an anxious or unnecessarily busy way, especially when nervous or excited.
"She was fussing around the kitchen for an hour before the guests arrived, adjusting things that were already perfect."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 informal
To busy oneself with small, unnecessary tasks instead of focusing on what is important.
"Stop fussing around and sit down — the presentation is about to start."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often implies mild criticism — the person is making more effort or showing more anxiety than the situation requires. Used in both British and American English. Sometimes interchangeable with 'fuss about'.
Commonly used with
kitchen nervously anxiously the house all day guests
Forms
Base
fuss around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fusses around
he/she/it
Past simple
fussed around
yesterday
Past participle
fussed around
have + pp
-ing form
fussing around
continuous
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Synonyms
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