muck about
Present Participle
mucking about
Past Tense
mucked about
Past Participle
mucked about
1
to engage in silly or playful behavior, typically when one should be focused on work or other responsibilities
- Some employees tend to muck about in the office, distracting others from their work.
- Last week, instead of studying, they mucked about in the library, making it difficult for others to concentrate.
- Instead of finishing their assignments, the students chose to muck about, causing a disruption in the classroom.
- Individuals who frequently muck around at work may find their productivity levels compromised.
- The manager will address any employees who consistently muck around and disrupt the workplace harmony.
2
to mistreat someone, especially by subjecting them to frequent changes, dishonesty, or unreliable behavior
- He felt frustrated when the company continued to muck him about with changing deadlines and unclear expectations.
- Some employers unfortunately muck their employees about with inconsistent policies and sudden changes.
- The team members complain that the manager often mucks them around with last-minute alterations to project plans.
- I've decided to leave the company; I can't tolerate being mucked about with unrealistic expectations and constant policy changes.