Fiddle around
phrasal verb
To spend time adjusting something or trying different things with no real purpose or direction.
He spent the afternoon fiddling around with his new computer.
Often appears as...
- fiddle around with
- fiddle around on
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial, General
phrasal verb
To waste time doing unproductive activities.
Don't just fiddle around, we have a deadline to meet.
Often appears as...
- fiddle around when
- fiddle around instead of
Usage tips
Informal
phrasal verb
To spend time adjusting something or trying different things with no real purpose or direction.
He spent the afternoon fiddling around with his new computer.
Often appears as...
- fiddle around with
- fiddle around on
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial, General
phrasal verb
To waste time doing unproductive activities.
Don't just fiddle around, we have a deadline to meet.
Often appears as...
- fiddle around when
- fiddle around instead of
Usage tips
Informal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Casual Context
Used in informal settings among friends or casual conversations, not in formal situations.
While waiting for the movie, we fiddled around with some games on my phone.
Pro Tip 2/3No Progress
Implies a lack of progress or direction in the activity being done.
I fiddled around with the code, but couldn't make the program work.
Pro Tip 3/3Killing Time
Suggests a way to pass time when one is bored or waiting for something.
To kill time at the airport, I just fiddled around on my laptop.
Pro Tip 1/3Casual Context
Used in informal settings among friends or casual conversations, not in formal situations.
While waiting for the movie, we fiddled around with some games on my phone.
Pro Tip 2/3No Progress
Implies a lack of progress or direction in the activity being done.
I fiddled around with the code, but couldn't make the program work.
Pro Tip 3/3Killing Time
Suggests a way to pass time when one is bored or waiting for something.
To kill time at the airport, I just fiddled around on my laptop.
Pro Tip 1/3Casual Context
Used in informal settings among friends or casual conversations, not in formal situations.
While waiting for the movie, we fiddled around with some games on my phone.
Pro Tip 2/3No Progress
Implies a lack of progress or direction in the activity being done.
I fiddled around with the code, but couldn't make the program work.
Pro Tip 3/3Killing Time
Suggests a way to pass time when one is bored or waiting for something.
To kill time at the airport, I just fiddled around on my laptop.
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