tool around
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To drive or move around without a particular plan, just for fun.
Meanings
1 C1
idiomatic
informal
To drive around casually or aimlessly, typically for pleasure.
"On Sunday afternoons, he liked to tool around the countryside on his motorcycle."
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
informal
To spend time experimenting with or casually playing with something.
"He was just tooling around on his laptop when he accidentally discovered a bug in the software."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Primarily North American informal English. Often used to describe aimless but enjoyable driving. Also used figuratively for tinkering or experimenting casually with something (e.g. tooling around on a guitar). Carries a relaxed, unhurried connotation.
Commonly used with
car motorcycle town countryside garage computer
Forms
Base
tool around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tools around
he/she/it
Past simple
tooled around
yesterday
Past participle
tooled around
have + pp
-ing form
tooling around
continuous
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