sit about
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To just sit somewhere without doing anything useful, wasting time.
Literal meaning: To sit in various places around an area — transparent, though the idiomatic implication of idleness is the key meaning.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To spend time sitting idly, doing nothing useful or productive.
"Stop sitting about and help me with the washing up."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
To wait or stay somewhere without a clear purpose.
"We sat about in the waiting room for over two hours before anyone called our name."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Chiefly British English. The American English equivalent is 'sit around'. Usually carries a mildly negative or frustrated connotation — the person sitting about is seen as lazy or unproductive. Often used in complaints or criticism.
Commonly used with
house home office all day waiting doing nothing
Forms
Base
sit about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
sits about
he/she/it
Past simple
sat about
yesterday
Past participle
sat about
have + pp
-ing form
sitting about
continuous
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