subs. phr. (colloquial).—Frolicsome or questionable proceedings; a course of conduct that attracts attention.—See CARRY ON.

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  1663.  BUTLER, Hudibras, I., ii., 556.

                    Is this the end
To which these CARRYINGS-ON did tend?

2

  1859.  G. A. SALA, Gaslight and Daylight, ch. xxi. Many have heard her stern demands for rent, and her shrill denunciation of the CARRYINGS ON of her tenants.

3

  1876.  M. E. BRADDON, Joshua Haggard, ch. iv. ‘And what about the rest of the time when he wasn’t with you? Fine CARRYINGS ON indeed for a grocer’s daughter!’

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