potter about
B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To spend time at home or in a small area doing little jobs without rushing or planning.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To spend time in a leisurely, unhurried way doing small tasks or moving around without a definite purpose.
"I spent the afternoon just pottering about in the garden, enjoying the sunshine."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Distinctly British informal English. Describes a pleasantly aimless way of spending time, often at home or in the garden. Has a warm, contented connotation — the person is not bored but happily occupied with small tasks. The American equivalent would be 'putter around'.
Commonly used with
garden house kitchen shed afternoon weekend
Forms
Base
potter about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
potters about
he/she/it
Past simple
pottered about
yesterday
Past participle
pottered about
have + pp
-ing form
pottering about
continuous
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