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hang around

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hang around

(some place) to loiter some place; to be in a place or in an area, doing nothing in particular. Why are you hanging around my office? It's comfortable here. I think I'll hang around here for a while.

See also: around, hang

hang around (with someone)

 and go around (with someone)

Fig. to spend a lot of time with someone; to waste away time with someone. John hangs around with Bill a lot. They've been going around with the Smiths.

See also: around, hang

hang around

1. to stay in a place I don't like to hang around here after dark. He had stupidly hung around - just to see what the cops were doing - and ended up being arrested!

2. to be with another person I hate hanging around with her in the mall. It's so boring!

3. to not go away The flu can hang around for almost a month.

Usage notes: usually said about a medical condition, as in the example

See also: around, hang

hang around

1. Spend time idly, loiter, as in Every afternoon they could be found hanging around the mall. [Mid-1800s] Also see hang out, def. 4.

2. Keep company or consort with someone, as in The younger campers loved to hang around the older ones. [Mid-1800s] Also see hang out, def. 5.

See also: around, hang

hang (around)

in. to loiter; to waste away time doing nothing. Don’t just hang around. Get busy with something.

See also: around, hang