clown around

clown around

slang To joke, play, or otherwise behave in a silly way. I can see you boys clowning around back there! Sit down and do the math problems I assigned. The kids are just clowning around with each other in the back yard, if you want to call them for dinner.
See also: around, clown
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

clown around (with someone)

Fig. to join with someone in acting silly; [for two or more people] to act silly together. The boys were clowning around with each other. The kids are having fun clowning around.
See also: around, clown
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

clown around

in. to act silly; to mess around. We were just clowning around. We didn’t mean to break anything.
See also: around, clown
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • clown about
  • clowning
  • do unto others
  • amok
  • amuck
  • amuk
  • play to the gallery
  • play to the gallery, to
  • be on the same wavelength/on different wavelengths
References in periodicals archive
YOUNG achievers have been encouraged to clown around at school as a reward for their hard work.
Here's to the class clowns
A MAGICIAN is visiting schools around Warwickshire to tell children not to clown around on the roads.
Roads no place for clowning around
The mum-of-three set up Clown Around Scotland Ltd three years ago after spotting a gap in the market for a soft play area.
CASE STUDY.
And that they did as everyone at Crookhill Primary School, in Ryton, Gateshead, got the chance to join the circus for the day and be taught by the professionals how to juggle, spin plates and generally clown around.
Clowning around
CHILDREN are being invited to clown around at a circus skills workshop near Rugby this weekend.
Kids can hone their circus skills
Bryan was happy to clown around and pose for the cameras at the star-studded event.
It's Wastelife
YOUNGSTERS were allowed to clown around in class yesterday - but only to get an insight into the world of business.
Making business fun
PUPILS from a north Warwickshire school are going to school on Saturday mornings to clown around with a purpose.
Lessons in clowning around
So, if you want a real Tango hit this Christmas, don't clown around - enter our great contest today.
WIN A YEAR'S SUPPLY OF TANGO
VISITORS can clown around at the first open day at Sketchley Hall in Burb-age next week.
Boo Boo is guest at home