run around

run around

1. Literally, to run haphazardly or in different directions in an area. We took the kids to the park so they could run around for a couple of hours.
2. Figuratively, to be exceptionally busy doing many different tasks or activities, especially in several different locations. I've been running around all afternoon getting things for Carol's party tonight. I can't wait for the weekend. I've had to run around all week getting little jobs done for my boss, and I'm exhausted!
See also: around, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

run around

 
1. to run here and there. Why are you running around? Sit down and be quiet. Please stop running around. You are making me nervous.
2. to go here and there having meetings or doing errands. I've been running around all day, shopping for the party tonight. I am so tired of running around, carting children to various places.
See also: around, run
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

run around

1. Go about hurriedly here and there, as in I have been running around all day so I want to stay home tonight and relax. [Early 1900s]
2. Also, run around with. Associate or consort with socially, as in At college she began to run around with a very liberal group. [Late 1800s]
3. Be sexually unfaithful, as in She caught him running around just once too often and finally sued for divorce. [Early 1900s]
See also: around, run
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

run around

or run round
v.
1. To run in a space in many different directions: The kids ran around in the park while we relaxed.
2. To be very busy doing something, especially when moving from place to place in order to do it: I've been running around getting ready for the party.
3. run around after To try hurriedly to obtain or catch something or someone: How long have you been running around after that pair of shoes?
4. run around with To associate or engage in activities with someone or something: I don't like the people you've been running around with—they're a bad influence!
See also: around, run
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • run about
  • have (one) on the run
  • have someone on the run
  • run over to
  • run over to (someone or something)
  • run rampant
  • (I've) got to run
  • got to run
  • (one) has to run along
  • have to run along
References in periodicals archive
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CANCER sufferer Liz Harding has flown to America to run around a theme park for charity.
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You can pretty much run around on auto-pilot While the folks do their thing.
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The contrast between the curved and angular geometries is further emphasised by theatrically oversailing brises soleils that run around each floor, like the slats of an oversized venetian blind.
Legal expression
Ideally, the crosser's last touch should redirect the ball inside, enabling him to take a few steps to run around the ball, approach it at a more acute angle, and square his hips to the target.
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James' Park, the group headed for a casual run around some of the other parks in London.
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But show me a parent who has that much time to run around after their kids and I'll show you one with a cleaner and a cook.
GREAT.. BUT IT'S A TALL ORDER FOR BUSY PARENTS
As previously reported in the Telegraph, he has hip dysplasia, which means he finds it difficult to stand up on his own, and needs two expensive operations so that he can run around like other young dogs.
Hopes lifted for happy end to Pudsey tale; PET OP: Fundraiser means poorly pup may soon be able to run free like other dogs
They eat pizza, play games and run around wild--all the normal things kids usually do."
Second helpings
Each cluster of desks or cellular offices also has direct access to the balconies that run around the building, so that workers can enjoy a change of scene.
Ring cycle
Runners dressed in nuns outfits completed a one-mile fun run around the park to raise cash for St Oswald's hospice in Gosforth.
Happy holiday
I wouldn't have been motivated to run around War Memorial Park as he suggests people ought to do.
Letter: Your Say - Run was very well organised
A charity run around Chester-le-Street cricket ground has raised more than pounds 1,500 to help a young girl who beat the odds to survive a killer disease.
Running up cash for Ellie