knock about

verb8

1. •
   (informal) To hit (someone or something) all over repeatedly; hence, to behave violently towards or mistreat (someone or something).

   • It was known that he would knock his wife about when he had been drinking.
2. •
   (informal) To be present at or inhabit a certain place.
3. •
   (informal) To engage in a relaxing activity in a place; to hang around in.

   • I like to knock about the garden on Saturdays.
4. •
   (informal) To be mislaid in a place.

   • I’ve got some scissors knocking about in the kitchen.
5. •
   (informal) Often followed by with: to spend time companionably; to hang around.

   • I used to knock about with John when we were younger.
   • John and I used to knock about when we were younger.
6. •
   (informal) To move or roam around aimlessly; to be in circulation.

   • 'Oh, come, sir,' protested Greatorex. 'This account speaks of a few other specimens knocking about. Surely in a year or two's time this one couldn't be positively identified as stolen?' — 1927
7. •
   (informal) To live an unconventional life.
8. •
   (informal) To knock back a drink; to finish a drink.