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sling about

B2 informal separable transitive
In simple words

Throw or use something in a careless, messy way without caring where it goes.

Literal meaning: To sling (throw/fling) something about — fairly transparent.

Meanings

1 B2 informal

To throw or move objects carelessly and roughly in various directions.

"Stop slinging your bags about — you nearly knocked that vase off the shelf."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To use words, accusations, or insults carelessly and indiscriminately.

"The politicians spent the whole debate slinging accusations about rather than discussing policy."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Primarily British English. Often used to criticise careless behaviour — slinging mud, accusations, or objects without care. The variant 'sling around' is also common. Usually carries a negative tone.

Commonly used with

mud accusations money insults bags words

Forms

Base
sling about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slings about
he/she/it
Past simple
slinged about
yesterday
Past participle
slinged about
have + pp
-ing form
slinging about
continuous

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