tool around: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘tool around’ mean?
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.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "take for a spin" means to test or try out something, usually a vehicle or a new product, by taking it on a short journey or using it for a short period of time.
The idiom "tag along" means to go with someone as a companion or follower, often without being invited or asked to join. It implies a sense of going along with someone else's plans or activities without taking the lead or having much say in the matter.
The idiom "swing through" means to visit a place or make a brief stop while traveling from one destination to another. It implies a casual or quick visit without spending much time or effort.
The idiom "swing round the circle" means to go through or visit a series of locations or events in a circular or repetitive manner.
The idiom "spin one's wheels" means to exert a lot of effort or energy without making any progress or achieving any result.
The idiom *run around like a chicken with its head cut off* means to act in a frantic, disorganized manner, typically due to panic or confusion.
The idiom "run around after" means to constantly be busy or occupied attending to someone or something. It suggests a sense of being constantly on the move or dealing with various tasks and responsibilities.
The idiom "run about" means to move or travel quickly and randomly in different directions.
Unlock the Mystery
The idiom "tool around" is a common phrase used in American English to describe driving or operating a vehicle in a leisurely, aimless manner. When someone uses the expression "tool around," they imply that the person being referred to is driving without any specific destination or purpose in mind. It denotes a sense of casualness and nonchalance, often associated with recreational or leisurely activities.
Interestingly, "tool around" is related to several other idioms that convey similar meanings. One such idiom is "loaf around." Just like "tool around," "loaf around" suggests a lack of purpose or direction. However, "loaf around" specifically refers to being idle or wasting time without engaging in any productive activity. While "tool around" is mainly used in the context of driving, "loaf around" can be applied to any situation or location where someone is spending time aimlessly.
Another related idiom is "run around." "Run around" typically implies engaging in multiple activities or errands without a specific plan or order. Similarly to "tool around," "run around" suggests a lack of focus or purpose. However, "run around" does not specifically pertain to driving or operating a vehicle, but rather refers to a broader range of activities.
Similarly, the idiom "fool around" is also related to "tool around." While "tool around" refers to aimless driving, "fool around" generally signifies engaging in frivolous, unproductive, or mischievous behavior. One might say that someone who is "tooling around" in a car is "fooling around" or not taking things seriously.
Furthermore, "run around with" is another related idiom. This expression implies spending time with someone or being in their company without any specific purpose or goal. Similar to "tool around," "run around with" suggests a lack of direction or focus in one's actions or relationships.
Lastly, the idiom "horse around" is also related to "tool around." While "tool around" refers to aimless driving, "horse around" generally means engaging in informal, lighthearted, and playful behavior. It is usually used to describe people who are engaging in physical activities or sports in a jovial or boisterous manner. Both "tool around" and "horse around" capture a sense of leisure and lack of seriousness.
The idiom "tool around" is widely used in American English to describe casually driving or operating a vehicle without a specific destination or purpose. It is related to several other idioms that convey similar meanings, such as "loaf around," "run around," "fool around," "run around with," and "horse around." Each of these idioms captures different aspects of aimless or leisurely behavior. While "tool around" focuses on driving, the other idioms apply to various situations and activities, adding richness to the English language.
Example usage
Here are three examples of how the idiom "tool around" can be used in a sentence:
- He likes to tool around in his old convertible on the weekends.
- We decided to tool around the city and explore all the new cafes and shops.
- Instead of working on his project, he spent the afternoon tooling around on his computer.
More "Informal" idioms
