1
general::
Phrase(s): play around (with someone or something) 1. [and] play about (with someone or something)
to play and frolic with someone or something. • Kelly likes to play around with the other kids. • The boys are out in the yard, playing about with the neighbor girls. • Will you kids stop playing about and get busy? • Stop playing around and get busy! 2. Euph. to have a romantic or sexual affair with someone or persons in general. • Kelly found out that her husband had been playing around with Susan. • I can’t believe that Roger is playing around!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
Act playfully or irresponsibly, especially in having a casual or extramarital sexual relationship. For example, She got tired of his playing around and filed for divorce. [1920s]
American Heritage Idioms