Fiddle around with
verb
To make small adjustments or play with something, often without a clear goal or purpose.
He spent the whole afternoon fiddling around with his new computer.
Often appears as...
- fiddle around with something
- fiddle around with it
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To spend time idly or aimlessly on something.
No time to fiddle around with pointless details, we have a deadline to meet.
Often appears as...
- fiddle around with detail
- fiddle around with time
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To handle or touch something too much, potentially causing damage or misunderstanding.
Please don’t fiddle around with my papers, you’re messing up my system.
Often appears as...
- fiddle around with papers
- fiddle around with files
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To make small adjustments or play with something, often without a clear goal or purpose.
He spent the whole afternoon fiddling around with his new computer.
Often appears as...
- fiddle around with something
- fiddle around with it
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial
verb
To spend time idly or aimlessly on something.
No time to fiddle around with pointless details, we have a deadline to meet.
Often appears as...
- fiddle around with detail
- fiddle around with time
Usage tips
Disapproving
verb
To handle or touch something too much, potentially causing damage or misunderstanding.
Please don’t fiddle around with my papers, you’re messing up my system.
Often appears as...
- fiddle around with papers
- fiddle around with files
Usage tips
Disapproving
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Goalless Play
Used when someone is experimenting or passing time without a specific plan in mind.
She fiddled around with the app just to see what it could do.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Usage
Commonly used in casual or informal situations.
When you're bored at home, do you fiddle around with your guitar?
Pro Tip 3/3No Clear Outcome
Emphasizes an activity where the result isn’t critical or is unknown.
I'm just fiddling around with some code, not sure if it'll become anything.
Pro Tip 1/3Goalless Play
Used when someone is experimenting or passing time without a specific plan in mind.
She fiddled around with the app just to see what it could do.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Usage
Commonly used in casual or informal situations.
When you're bored at home, do you fiddle around with your guitar?
Pro Tip 3/3No Clear Outcome
Emphasizes an activity where the result isn’t critical or is unknown.
I'm just fiddling around with some code, not sure if it'll become anything.
Pro Tip 1/3Goalless Play
Used when someone is experimenting or passing time without a specific plan in mind.
She fiddled around with the app just to see what it could do.
Pro Tip 2/3Casual Usage
Commonly used in casual or informal situations.
When you're bored at home, do you fiddle around with your guitar?
Pro Tip 3/3No Clear Outcome
Emphasizes an activity where the result isn’t critical or is unknown.
I'm just fiddling around with some code, not sure if it'll become anything.
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