I have encountered the term "get out and about", in one of Oxford's books. It seems to be quite a problem to conclude what exactly it means. I have not found this phrase neither in my national translator, nor on the internet (cambridge, oxford, idoceonline websites etc.)
There is an explanation in my Oxford textbook:
"go to places where you can meet people"
Example:
There is an old lady who does not get out and about much.
But does this phrase (for example) include even meeting other people and get to know them? Or is it only about going to a place where we expect some other people?
Best Answer
[Out and About] refers to physically experiencing something beyond one's ordinary environment, to enjoy for the pleasure of it or learn what can only be learned beyond one's ordinary environment. The 'out' refers to [out of one's ordinary environment] and the 'about' refers to more than one other place or an extended period of time. Out and About would not include running to the grocery store alone, or running to the end of the driveway alone; it requires multiple places or an extended period of time/experiences.
As for requiring 'people,' no it does not require that. It's focus is more on what happens within a person when they do it, not who or what they will affect when they do. People can enjoy or learn from many things, including other people, but they can enjoy and learn from 'getting out and about' with noone around too.