knock around

phrase

informal

1

: to spend time in (a place) without having a goal or purpose : to wander around (a place)

He spent the summer knocking around (in) Europe.

2

British : to spend time with (another person)

She was knocking aroundwith her brother.

3

: to be considered or discussed in an informal way over a period of time

These ideas have been knocking around for years.

4

: to consider or talk about (ideas, plans, etc.) in an informal way

We knocked the plan around for a while before we came to an agreement.

They knocked around several possible names for the new car.

5

: to beat or hit (someone) badly or repeatedly

The boy was getting knocked around by bullies.

—often used figuratively

I really got knocked around at the last staff meeting.

6

chiefly British : to be lying somewhere within a general area or place

That jacket is knocking around here somewhere.