play around: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘play around’ mean?
The phrase "play around" means to engage in activities without taking them seriously or to explore different options without making a commitment.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "tool around" means to spend time idly or casually, often without a specific purpose or goal. It is typically used to describe someone driving or traveling aimlessly or casually without any particular destination or intention.
The idiom "roll the dice" means to take a risk or make a decision without knowing the outcome or consequences.
The idiom "play hooky" means to skip school or work without permission or a valid reason.
The idiom "play hob with" means to cause trouble or disruption, often leading to negative consequences or difficulties.
The idiom "play games" means to behave in a deceptive or manipulative way, often for personal gain or advantage.
The idiom "play for time" means to delay taking action in order to gain more time or to avoid making a decision immediately.
The idiom *play for love* means to engage in an activity solely for personal enjoyment or passion, without any expectation of financial gain or external recognition.
The Elusive Interpretation
Play around is an idiomatic expression that is commonly used in everyday conversation. The term "play around" can have multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. However, it is generally understood as engaging in casual or carefree behavior without a serious commitment or intention.
One of the most common uses of the idiom "play around" is in the context of relationships. When someone says they are "playing around," it often refers to engaging in casual or non-committal romantic or sexual encounters. In this sense, the idiom implies a lack of seriousness or commitment, suggesting that the person is not looking for a long-term or exclusive relationship.
Another usage of "play around" is more general and can refer to any form of casual or unserious behavior. It can describe someone who engages in activities without focus or dedication, such as fooling around, kid around, or horse around, playing games or engaging in hobbies without a genuine interest or commitment. It can also be used to describe someone who is being flippant or not taking a situation seriously.
"Play around" can also be used to describe experimentation or exploration, particularly in creative or artistic endeavors. It can refer to trying out different styles, techniques, or approaches without a set goal or direction. This can apply to various forms of art, including music, writing, painting, and more.
The origin and etymology of the idiom "play around" are not well-documented, making it difficult to trace its exact roots. However, the phrase likely emerged from the combination of the words "play" and "around," which individually suggest activities that are relaxed, casual, and not bound by rules or obligations. The idiomatic expression "play around" takes these concepts and encapsulates the idea of engaging in carefree or unserious behavior.
The idiom "play around" is a versatile expression that can have different meanings depending on the context. It is commonly used to describe casual or non-committal behavior, particularly in relationships. Additionally, it can refer to any form of unserious or non-dedicated activity, such as fooling around, kid around, or horse around. While the exact origin of the idiom is unclear, its meaning and usage are widely understood in everyday conversation. The idiom "play around" captures the notion of engaging in carefree behavior without a serious commitment, allowing for creativity, exploration, and casual experiences.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom play around can be used in a sentence:
- John is always playing around, he never takes anything seriously.
- I like to play around with different recipes when I'm cooking.
- We should stop playing around and start focusing on the task at hand.
More "Informal" idioms
