fanny about

verb2

1. •
   (UK, slang) To waste time or fool around; to engage in activity which produces little or no accomplishment.

   • Then he dithered and fannied about. — 1977
2. •
   (UK, slang) To wander about or prowl around.

   • ... the mechanic who tidied up after the Krays, took care of business while the Twins were fannying around the clubland circuit. — 2001