noun a casual or informal search or examination
verb to wander about, explore, or search casually
To explore or wander around a new or unfamiliar area, typically on foot.
To move a vessel from one place to another in a leisurely manner, often without a specific destination in mind.
To spend time with friends or acquaintances in a casual and relaxed manner, often involving light-hearted activities or conversation.
In a writing context, 'knock about' can refer to exploring different ideas or approaches in a casual or experimental way before settling on a final direction for a piece of writing.
In psychology, 'knock about' may be used to describe a patient who is struggling to find a sense of direction or purpose in their life, and may be engaging in aimless or unproductive activities.
For an athlete, 'knock about' could mean engaging in some light or informal practice or training sessions to maintain skills and stay active without the intensity of a full workout or competition.
In the culinary world, 'knock about' might be used to describe experimenting with different ingredients or techniques in a playful or casual manner to come up with new dishes or flavors.