Muck around with

usgb
phrasal verb

To alter or meddle with something without having sufficient knowledge or skill.

Don't muck around with the car engine if you don't know what you're doing.
Visual representation of "muck around with" - To alter or meddle with something without having sufficient knowledge or skill.

Often appears as...

  • muck around with tools
  • muck around with settings

Usage tips

Informal

Colloquial,Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "muck around with"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Skill Level

Used when someone lacks expertise but still tries to do something complex.

Illustration for Skill Level
He tried to muck around with the computer code and ended up crashing the system.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Potential Harm

Implies that the person’s actions might cause damage or problems.

Illustration for Potential Harm
You might erase important files if you muck around with the software settings.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Casual Warning

It's a light-hearted warning to not interfere with something.

Illustration for Casual Warning
Please don't muck around with the thermostat; it's very sensitive.
Visual representation of the word "Muck around with"

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