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.)