build around (someone or something)
build around (someone or something)
1. Literally, to construct something around a particular area or thing. A noun or pronoun can be used between "build" and "around." When our kids were little, we built a fence around our pool so that they wouldn't be able to access it.
2. By extension, to create or develop something with a focus on a particular person or idea. A noun or pronoun can be used between "build" and "around." I can't believe they've decided to build the whole football team around that overpaid oaf.
See also: around, build
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
build around
v.
1. To construct or develop something that surrounds or avoids something else: They built the highway around the center of town. If we build a fence around the plants, the goats won't be able to eat them.
2. To develop something based on someone or something: The story is built around two characters. I built my bookstore around the idea that people like to browse before they buy anything.
See also: around, build
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
- build around
- flash around
- blab
- blab around
- dog around
- carry (someone or something) about
- carry about
- carry around
- gaze around
- go around and around