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toss around

B1 informal separable transitive
In simple words

To talk about ideas in a relaxed way, or to throw something in different directions.

Literal meaning: To throw something in various directions.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To discuss ideas informally and without any fixed conclusion, as in a brainstorming session.

"We spent the afternoon tossing around ideas for the new marketing campaign."

Grammar: separable
2 B1 neutral

To throw or move something or someone around repeatedly in different directions.

"The small boat was tossed around by the waves during the storm."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

When used figuratively with ideas, 'toss around' implies brainstorming without any serious commitment to the ideas discussed. Physically, it describes throwing something repeatedly or in multiple directions. Also used for a person or object being thrown around by waves, wind, or turbulence.

Commonly used with

ideas suggestions names ball proposals thoughts

Forms

Base
toss around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
tosses around
he/she/it
Past simple
tossed around
yesterday
Past participle
tossed around
have + pp
-ing form
tossing around
continuous

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Synonyms

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