1
general::
Phrase(s): bandy something about
to spread something, such as someone’s good name, around in an unfavorable context; to toss words around in a gossipy fashion. (Bandy means to toss or hit something back and forth.) • Just stop bandying words about and start telling the truth! • There is no need to keep bandying about those rumors.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs