mess about
mess around
[verb]
Synonyms: potter, amuse oneself, dabble, fool (about or around), muck about (informal), play about or around, trifle

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

mess about phrasal verb

1. (British English) to treat somebody in an unfair and annoying way, especially by changing your mind a lot or not doing what you said you would
   • ● I’m sorry to mess you about but there are a few last-minute changes.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲

mess about
• mess around/about
to play around or engage in idle activity
The children were messing around in the school yard before the class began.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲