horse about
B1 informal intransitive
In simple words
Play around in a silly, rough, noisy way instead of being serious.
Literal meaning: To behave like a horse — wildly and energetically.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To behave in a noisy, silly, or rough playful manner, especially when one should be more serious.
"Stop horsing about and get your homework done before dinner."
Usage notes
Primarily British English. Used especially of children or young people engaging in rough play. Carries a mild sense of disapproval from an adult's perspective. 'Horse around' is the American equivalent.
Commonly used with
children classroom playground boys students kids
Forms
Base
horse about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
horses about
he/she/it
Past simple
horsed about
yesterday
Past participle
horsed about
have + pp
-ing form
horsing about
continuous
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Synonyms
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