mess about

• Неформальное британское выражение, означающее вести себя глупо или игриво, тратить время впустую или относиться к кому-то невнимательно, будучи ненадёжным или создавая проблемы.

An informal British expression meaning to behave in a silly or playful way, to waste time, or to treat someone inconsiderately by being unreliable or causing trouble.

1. Behave in a silly or playful wayB1informalbritish

   To spend time doing things in a playful, unserious, or aimless manner.

   Бездельничать

   • The kids were messing about in the garden instead of doing their homework.
   • Stop messing about and get to work!
   • They spent the afternoon messing about on the river.

2. Treat someone unfairly or waste their timeB2informalbritish

   To cause trouble for someone, treat them inconsiderately, or waste their time.

   Водить за нос

   • He's been messing her about for months, never committing to a date.
   • Don't mess me about; I need a straight answer.
   • The company messed about with the delivery schedule, causing delays.