run about
Definition
Verb (phrasal verb): - To move quickly from place to place, often in a busy or aimless manner: "run about" describes the action of moving energetically and frequently between different locations, typically without a specific destination or purpose. - To be very active or busy, especially in a restless or playful way: It can also imply engaging in many small tasks or activities in a hurried manner.
Usage Examples
- As a verb:
- The children ran about the garden, laughing and shouting. (They moved quickly and playfully around the garden.)
- I spent the whole morning running about the house looking for my keys. (I moved hurriedly from room to room in search of the keys.)
- The dog ran about in the park, chasing after a ball. (The dog moved energetically and playfully in the park.)
Advanced Usage
- "to run about like a headless chicken": to act in a confused, frantic, and disorganized way.
- She was running about like a headless chicken trying to prepare for the party. (She was moving frantically and without a clear plan.)
- "to run about after someone": to constantly attend to or serve someone, often in a busy manner.
- The nanny ran about after the toddlers all day. (She followed and attended to the children constantly.)
Variants and Related Words
- Runabout (noun): a small, light vehicle or boat, or a person who moves around a lot.
- He drove a little runabout car around the city. (A small, manoeuvrable car.)
- Running about (gerund/noun): the act of moving quickly from place to place.
- All this running about has exhausted me. (The constant movement has tired me out.)
Synonyms
- Dash: to move quickly and suddenly.
- Scamper: to run with quick, light steps, especially in a playful way.
- Hustle: to move hurriedly and energetically.
- Roam: to move about without a fixed course or destination.
Phrasal Verbs (Related)
- Run around: very similar to "run about," meaning to move busily from place to place.
- He runs around town all day delivering packages. (He moves quickly and frequently between locations.)
- Run off: to leave or escape quickly.
- The thief ran off when he saw the police. (He fled quickly.)
Related Idioms
- Run about in circles: to be very busy but with little effect or progress.
- We've been running about in circles all day and haven't solved anything. (We have been busy but unproductive.)
- Run about like a chicken with its head cut off: similar to "like a headless chicken," meaning to act in a panicked, disorganized manner.
- He was running about like a chicken with its head cut off before the exam. (He was frantic and confused.)