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toss around

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toss someone or something around

to throw someone or something around. The waves tossed him around and almost dashed him on the rocks. The waves tossed around all the little boats.

See also: around, toss

toss something around

Fig. to discuss something. I have a few things to discuss. Can we meet later and toss them around? We tossed around a few ideas after dinner.

See also: around, toss

toss around something

also toss something around

1. to consider or think about something Some of us have been tossing around suggestions for improving the show. The morning newspapers print the news, and then commentators toss it around on the evening TV news shows.

2. to use words without thinking carefully about them The financial press tossed around words like a€?crasha€? and a€?disaster.a€? Students toss bad words around freely.

See also: around, toss

toss around

or toss about

v.

1. To throw something back and forth casually: We went to the park and tossed around a football. Bring the baseball to the park so we can toss it around.

2. To change one's position restlessly while lying in bed: The patient tossed about in her sleep. I tossed around all night and didn't get any sleep.

3. To discuss something informally; bandy something about: We've been tossing around the idea of moving to a warmer climate. They tossed the proposal about at the meeting, but no one was interested.

4. To move about restlessly; twist and turn: The ship tossed about in the high seas.

5. To throw, fling, or heave someone or something continuously about; pitch someone or something to and fro: The violent storm tossed the ship about. The luggage got tossed around in the trunk of the car.

See also: around, toss