1 C1 idiomatic informal
To move about in a busy, restless way, often while searching for something
"She was squirrelling around in her bag for five minutes before she found her keys."
inseparable
squirrel around
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
To move or search about in a busy, restless, and somewhat aimless way
In plain English
To rush around in a busy and slightly scattered way, like a squirrel
What does "squirrel around" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Like a squirrel darting around looking for food or storing nuts — quick, busy, and apparently random movement
Actually means
To rush around in a busy and slightly scattered way, like a squirrel
Usage tip
Relatively rare and informal. Evokes the image of a squirrel's quick, darting, seemingly erratic movements. Used to describe someone who is energetically but not very efficiently searching for something or moving about.
Words that pair with "squirrel around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
house office looking for papers things
How to conjugate "squirrel around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
squirrel around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
squirrels around
he/she/it
Past simple
squirreled around
yesterday
Past participle
squirreled around
have + pp
-ing form
squirreling around
continuous
Hear "squirrel around" in the wild
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Other ways to say "squirrel around"
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