The editor puts about rumors that the merger is imminent.

They were putting about false stories to discredit the company.

The small child, flailing about in the shallow water, splashed and laughed with pure delight.

As the small boat capsizes, the terrified child flails about searching for something to hold onto.

She flailed about in the shallow water, struggling to keep her balance.

We faffed about for an hour instead of starting the project, so now we're behind schedule.

She's been faffing about all morning instead of finishing her report.

He faffs about instead of starting the important work.

Journalists began to bandy about rumors of a takeover before any official statement had been released.

We mucked about with the old radio until it finally played some music.