go about

British  

verb

1. (adverb) to move from place to place

2. (preposition) to busy oneself with

   to go about one's duties

3. (preposition) to tackle (a problem or task)

4. (preposition) to be actively and constantly engaged in (doing something)

   he went about doing good

5. to circulate (in)

   there's a lot of flu going about

6. (adverb) (of a sailing ship) to change from one tack to another

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go about Idioms  

1. Also, go around . Move here and there, to and fro; also, circulate. For example, She's been going about telling everyone the news , or A report went around that the dollar was dropping . [c. 1300]

2. Set about, undertake, as in I'm not sure how to go about making a pie . [Late 1600s]

3. go about one's business . Proceed with one's own proper occupation or concern. For example, Don't bother with that—just go about your business . [Late 1600s]

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Example Sentences

He has taken over a difficult situation but he has gone about things in a very odd way.

From BBC

Instead, Pegula tends to go about her business quietly, relying on a calm temperament and a methodical style that wears opponents down over time.

From Los Angeles Times

He testified that he went about 200 to 300 feet up, to where piles of hose were being dropped.

From Los Angeles Times

They can only get there via a tour, navigating a maze of narrow alleyways as residents go about their daily lives while stopping to visit local artists or see a capoeira show.

From Barron's

We can be broadly satisfied too with the professional way in which the U.S. military, and our Israeli allies, has gone about the task.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• set about