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go around

B1 neutral both
In simple words

To go in a circle around something, or to be enough for all the people who want some.

Literal meaning: To travel around (in a circle or arc).

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To move in a circular path around something or someone.

"We had to go around the fallen tree blocking the road."

2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To be sufficient in quantity for everyone present.

"We only have five chairs — there aren't enough to go around."

3 B1 idiomatic neutral

To circulate or spread among a group, used of rumours, ideas, or illness.

"There's a nasty cold going around the office this week."

4 B1 informal

To visit or call on someone at their home.

"I'll go around to Sarah's place after dinner to drop off her keys."

Usage notes

Multiple distinct uses. 'There's enough to go around' (sufficient for all) is a very common fixed expression. 'A bug is going around' means an illness is spreading. 'Go around' someone/something means to travel in a path avoiding or encircling it.

Commonly used with

rumour illness idea table corner obstacle

Forms

Base
go around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes around
he/she/it
Past simple
went around
yesterday
Past participle
gone around
have + pp
-ing form
going around
continuous

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