bandy

bandy about

To talk about something in a loose or gossipy manner. A noun or pronoun can be used between "bandy" and "about." They are bandying about that story as if it's the truth. Management is just casually bandying about the idea of layoffs. Don't bandy that nonsense about here, we're not buying it.

See also: bandy

bandy around

To talk about something in a loose, frivolous, or gossipy manner. A noun or pronoun can be used between "bandy" and "around." Don't bandy that nonsense around here, because we're not buying it. Someone from management has been casually bandying around the idea of layoffs. "Fraud" is not a term I bandy around lightly.

See also: around, bandy

bandy with

To argue or otherwise exchange views with someone. You can bandy with him all you want, but I doubt you'll ever reach an agreement.

See also: bandy

knock (one) bandy

informal Primarily heard in Australia.

1. To amaze or astonish one. The news that our little, low-budget movie had been nominated for an Academy Award knocked us all bandy.

2. To defeat one thoroughly or decisively. We thought we were the better team going into the game, but those guys sure knocked us bandy.

See also: bandy, knock

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

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.

See also: bandy

bandy with someone

to argue [with someone]; to argue by "playing catch with words." (Bandy means to toss or hit something back and forth.) Why are you bandying with me? She has been bandied with enough. Give her a straight answer.

See also: bandy

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

bandy about

v.

To make frequent and casual or frivolous use of a name, word, or idea: The word "genius" is bandied about too much when new authors are discussed. It made me angry that gossipy neighbors were bandying my name about.

See also: bandy

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.