ring around
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To phone lots of different people one after another to find out something or arrange something.
Literal meaning: To ring (call) in a circle — contacting people all around.
Meanings
1 B1 informal
To make a series of phone calls to several different people or organizations to find information, compare options, or spread news.
"I'll ring around a few garages to find out who can fix it cheapest."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 informal
To phone several people in your social or professional network to inform them of something.
"She rang around all her relatives to let them know about the new baby."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Chiefly British and Australian English. American speakers typically say 'call around'. Very practical in everyday contexts — finding a plumber, comparing prices, informing friends of news.
Commonly used with
friends hospitals garages insurance companies hotels shops
Forms
Base
ring around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rings around
he/she/it
Past simple
rang around
yesterday
Past participle
rung around
have + pp
-ing form
ringing around
continuous
Understand "ring around" better
Try:
Real video examples
Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.
Synonyms
Want to master this phrasal verb?
Practice "ring around" on Looplines