1 B2 idiomatic informal
To discuss ideas or options casually and without reaching a decision.
"We've been batting a few ideas about but haven't settled on anything yet."
separable
bat about
B2 informal separable transitive
To discuss ideas informally and casually; to knock or hit something in various directions.
In plain English
To casually talk about ideas without making a decision; to hit something around in different directions.
What does "bat about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 informal
To hit or knock something repeatedly in various directions.
"The cat was batting the toy about the kitchen floor."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To bat (strike) something in various directions — the idiomatic leap is from physical batting to mental exploration of ideas.
Actually means
To casually talk about ideas without making a decision; to hit something around in different directions.
Usage tip
Chiefly British. The 'discuss casually' sense is more common. The metaphor comes from batting a ball back and forth. Often used in meetings or brainstorming contexts to mean exploring ideas without committing to any.
Words that pair with "bat about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
ideas suggestions options proposals thoughts names
How to conjugate "bat about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
bat about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
bats about
he/she/it
Past simple
bated about
yesterday
Past participle
bated about
have + pp
-ing form
bating about
continuous
Hear "bat about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "bat about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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