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prat about

B2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To act in a stupid or silly way and waste time.

Meanings

1 B2 idiomatic informal

To behave in a silly, foolish, or time-wasting manner.

"Stop pratting about and help me move this furniture."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

British slang. 'Prat' is a British insult meaning a stupid or foolish person (also: buttocks, in older usage). 'Prat about' carries a tone of contempt or impatience. Often used by someone telling others to stop wasting time and be serious. Not used in formal contexts.

Commonly used with

stop time fool idiot around

Forms

Base
prat about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
prats about
he/she/it
Past simple
prated about
yesterday
Past participle
prated about
have + pp
-ing form
prating about
continuous

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Synonyms

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