Be on the fiddle

usgb
verb

To act dishonestly to get money or things for oneself, often in an illegal way.

Many employees were on the fiddle, charging the company for personal expenses.
Visual representation of "be on the fiddle" - To act dishonestly to get money or things for oneself, often in an illegal way.

Often appears as...

  • caught on the fiddle
  • be on the fiddle

Usage tips

Colloquial, Disapproving

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "be on the fiddle"
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British Origin

This phrase is more common in British English than American English, so it's useful to know if you're speaking with Brits.

Illustration for British Origin
When I worked in London, I heard a coworker say another was on the fiddle.
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Negative Connotation

The phrase has a negative tone and implies disapproval, so use it in contexts where dishonesty is frowned upon.

Illustration for Negative Connotation
He bought a car that turned out to be on the fiddle - it was stolen!
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Informal

It's an informal idiom, so it's best used in casual conversation, not in formal writing like business or academic papers.

Illustration for Informal
I wouldn't trust her, she’s known to be on the fiddle.
Visual representation of the word "Be on the fiddle"

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