The Village Idiom

tool around

The idiom "tool around" means to spend time idly or casually, often without a specific purpose or goal. It is typically used to describe someone driving or traveling aimlessly or casually without any particular destination or intention.

Informal · Filed under T

In a sentence

  • He likes to tool around in his old convertible on the weekends.
  • We decided to tool around the city and explore all the new cafes and shops.
  • Instead of working on his project, he spent the afternoon tooling around on his computer.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "tool around" is a common phrase used in American English to describe driving or operating a vehicle in a leisurely, aimless manner. When someone uses the expression "tool around," they imply that the person being referred to is driving without any specific destination or purpose in mind. It denotes a sense of casualness and nonchalance, often associated with recreational or leisurely activities.

Interestingly, "tool around" is related to several other idioms that convey similar meanings. One such idiom is "loaf around." Just like "tool around," "loaf around" suggests a lack of purpose or direction. However, "loaf around" specifically refers to being idle or wasting time without engaging in any productive activity. While "tool around" is mainly used in the context of driving, "loaf around" can be applied to any situation or location where someone is spending time aimlessly.

Furthermore, "run around with" is another related idiom. This expression implies spending time with someone or being in their company without any specific purpose or goal. Similar to "tool around," "run around with" suggests a lack of direction or focus in one's actions or relationships.

The idiom "tool around" is widely used in American English to describe casually driving or operating a vehicle without a specific destination or purpose. It is related to several other idioms that convey similar meanings, such as "loaf around," "run around," "fool around," "run around with," and "horse around." Each of these idioms captures different aspects of aimless or leisurely behavior. While "tool around" focuses on driving, the other idioms apply to various situations and activities, adding richness to the English language.

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