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walk around

A2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To walk through or around a place; or to avoid a problem instead of solving it.

Literal meaning: To walk in the area around something — largely transparent.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To walk through or around an area, often to explore or look at things.

"We spent the afternoon walking around the old city, admiring the architecture."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 neutral

To walk around a physical object or obstacle in order to avoid it.

"She walked around the puddle to keep her shoes dry."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To avoid confronting or addressing a difficult issue directly.

"Stop walking around the problem — just tell me what is actually wrong."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

In the literal sense, used very commonly to describe movement around a place. The figurative sense ('walk around a problem') is less common and slightly more formal. Can also describe someone's manner of moving ('walking around in circles').

Commonly used with

city park problem issue block obstacle

Forms

Base
walk around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
walks around
he/she/it
Past simple
walked around
yesterday
Past participle
walked around
have + pp
-ing form
walking around
continuous

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Synonyms

stroll around wander around go around tour circumnavigate avoid

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