Not be serious, not use something properly
Meanings
- Not be serious, not use something properly (separable [optional], International English)
- Treat someone badly (separable [obligatory], International English)
- Have a sexual relationship outside marriage or a permanent relationship (intransitive, International English)
Examples
- The children were MESSING ABOUT with the TV remote control and broke it.
- He is always MESSING me ABOUT and never does what he promises.
- He's not faithful- he's been MESSING ABOUT since they were married.