1 B2 idiomatic informal
To mention or repeat a name, word, or statistic carelessly or without proper consideration.
"Various figures have been bandied around, but no one has confirmed the actual cost."
separable
bandy around
B2 informal separable transitive
To pass around or use a word, name, or idea repeatedly and often carelessly.
In plain English
To keep saying or mentioning something in a careless or irresponsible way.
What does "bandy around" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To exchange words, arguments, or ideas back and forth between people.
"Several proposals were bandied around before anyone settled on a plan."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
'Bandy' refers to hitting something back and forth; extended to mean passing words or ideas around carelessly.
Actually means
To keep saying or mentioning something in a careless or irresponsible way.
Usage tip
Functionally identical to 'bandy about.' Both British and American English use this form. Often suggests that the speaker disapproves of how freely the word or name is being used.
Words that pair with "bandy around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
name statistics accusation term figure idea
How to conjugate "bandy around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bandy around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bandies around
he/she/it
Past simple
bandied around
yesterday
Past participle
bandied around
have + pp
-ing form
bandying around
continuous
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