run about

run about

1. To run haphazardly or in different directions in an area. Primarily heard in UK. We took the kids to the park so they could run about for a couple of hours.
2. By extension, to be exceptionally busy doing many different tasks or activities, especially in several different locations. Primarily heard in UK. I've been running about all afternoon getting things for Carol's party this evening. I can't wait for the weekend. I've had to run about all week getting little jobs done for my boss, and I'm exhausted!
See also: run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • run around
  • have (one) on the run
  • have someone on the run
  • run over to
  • run over to (someone or something)
  • (I've) got to run
  • got to run
  • (one) has to run along
  • have to run along
  • run like the wind
References in periodicals archive
I mentioned that I was going to run about half the race with Governor Huckabee.
A run-walk inspired
I run about 25 miles per week, with a weekly long run on a combination of road and fairly rocky trails with quite of bit of elevation gain and loss.
Hot feet. (The Clinic)
If you run about a 10-minute mile pace and weigh approximately 170 pounds, this would mean that you burn around 2,080 calories (13 calories/minute times 10 minutes times four miles times four days a week).
The Clinic
Start out with walking, then jogging, until you can comfortably run about 40% of your usual non-race preparation workout.
The clinic
I cross train with upper body workouts three times a week, run about 20 miles a week, and until recently, ran marathons regularly I still compete in shorter races, and often win in my age group (I am 62 years old).
The Clinic