play around

Idioms  

1. Act playfully or irresponsibly, especially in having a casual or extramarital sexual relationship. For example, She got tired of his playing around and filed for divorce. [1920s]

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Example Sentences

That better be the case, because at 80 times forward earnings, Arm can’t afford to play around.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

In a break in play around the half-hour mark, Mikey Moore, exciting, dangerous and 18 years old, juggled the ball around the halfway line.

From BBC • Mar. 1, 2026

"We are two men of 80 years of age, so we cannot play around with democracy," he said.

From Barron's • Feb. 22, 2026

Elsewhere in Gabland: It was reported that Gabbard “obtained” voting machines from Puerto Rico to play around with them and look for security vulnerabilities.

From Slate • Feb. 7, 2026

“And maybe you just wanted to play around with me for that reason.”

From "It All Comes Down to This" by Karen English