go around

Meaning

This phrase is commonly used to say there is enough of something (like food or drinks) to be shared among everyone in a group. It can also mean to circulate or spread from person to person, such as a rumor, news, or a seasonal illness.

Examples

• Are there enough cupcakes to go around for the whole class?

  Are there enough cupcakes to go around for the whole class?

• There is a nasty flu going around the office right now.

  There is a nasty flu going around the office right now.

• A lot of rumors have been going around about the new boss.

  A lot of rumors have been going around about the new boss.

• We don't have enough chairs to go around, so some people will have to stand.

  We don't have enough chairs to go around, so some people will have to stand.

• Don't let this secret go around; keep it to yourself.

  Don't let this secret go around; keep it to yourself.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ Is there enough food to go for everyone?

  ✓ Is there enough food to go around?

  Learners often omit 'around' when trying to express that there is a sufficient quantity of something to be shared by all.

• ✗ A cold is walking around the school.

  ✓ A cold is going around the school.

  Do not translate local idioms for spreading sickness literally. In English, we say a cold or flu is 'going around'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Don't worry, we have plenty of pizza to ___.

  💡 This means there is enough pizza for everybody.

  Show answer

  go around

• There is a rumor ___ that the store is closing down.

  💡 This means the rumor is spreading among people.

  Show answer

  going around