knock around
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to move something in a rough or uncontrolled way — often used when describing how an object is handled carelessly.
phrasal verb. to move an object with force and lack of precision; transitive verb, typically used in informal contexts; can also mean to spend time with friends in a casual manner (less common).
He knocked the ball around the room.
The child knocked the toy around the floor, making a mess.
The artist knocked the clay around the table, shaping it into a rough sculpture.
- toss
- jostle
- move roughly
- handle carefully
- place gently
- Particles
- around
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- knock + around + object
Typically followed by an object being moved.
contrast with 'move' (more general) and 'toss' (more forceful); learners may confuse it with 'knock about' (British English for 'hang out').
He knocked around.He knocked the ball around.the phrasal verb requires an object; 'knock around' alone is incomplete and grammatically incorrect.
Last updated April 24, 2026