jerk around

B2 informal separable both

In simple words

play unfair games with someone

Literal meaning: To pull someone in sudden rough movements.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To treat someone unfairly by wasting their time, changing plans, or not being honest.

"The company jerked us around for weeks before giving a final answer."

Grammar: separable

2 C1 idiomatic informal

uncommon

To behave foolishly or waste time instead of doing something useful.

"We can't keep jerking around if we want to finish before dark."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Common in North American informal speech. Often used in the passive: 'I was jerked around.'

customers employees people all day by the boss

Base

jerk around

I/you/we/they

3rd person

jerks around

he/she/it

Past simple

jerked around

yesterday

Past participle

jerked around

have + pp

-ing form

jerking around

continuous

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