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splash about

A2 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To play in water and send it flying everywhere

Literal meaning: To move water about (in various directions) by splashing — fully transparent

Meanings

1 A2 informal

To play energetically in water, making a lot of noise and sending water in many directions

"The toddlers were splashing about in the paddling pool all afternoon."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 informal

To move through a wet or muddy area in an uncoordinated, noisy way

"We splashed about through the marshes, soaking our boots completely."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Predominantly British English. Describes children or animals playing energetically in water, puddles, or the sea. Carries a lighthearted, playful tone. Can also describe figurative careless spending when used as a variant of 'splash out,' though this is less common.

Commonly used with

children pool puddle beach bath waves

Forms

Base
splash about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
splashes about
he/she/it
Past simple
splashed about
yesterday
Past participle
splashed about
have + pp
-ing form
splashing about
continuous

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Synonyms

splash around play in water frolic paddle cavort

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