Muck around with
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.
Often appears as...
- muck around with tools
- muck around with settings
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial,Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To spend time aimlessly without being productive.
Stop mucking around with your phone and get back to work.
Often appears as...
- muck around with phone
- muck around with game
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial,Idiomatic
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.
Often appears as...
- muck around with tools
- muck around with settings
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial,Idiomatic
phrasal verb
To spend time aimlessly without being productive.
Stop mucking around with your phone and get back to work.
Often appears as...
- muck around with phone
- muck around with game
Usage tips
Informal
Colloquial,Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Skill Level
Used when someone lacks expertise but still tries to do something complex.
He tried to muck around with the computer code and ended up crashing the system.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Harm
Implies that the person’s actions might cause damage or problems.
You might erase important files if you muck around with the software settings.
Pro Tip 3/3Casual Warning
It's a light-hearted warning to not interfere with something.
Please don't muck around with the thermostat; it's very sensitive.
Pro Tip 1/3Skill Level
Used when someone lacks expertise but still tries to do something complex.
He tried to muck around with the computer code and ended up crashing the system.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Harm
Implies that the person’s actions might cause damage or problems.
You might erase important files if you muck around with the software settings.
Pro Tip 3/3Casual Warning
It's a light-hearted warning to not interfere with something.
Please don't muck around with the thermostat; it's very sensitive.
Pro Tip 1/3Skill Level
Used when someone lacks expertise but still tries to do something complex.
He tried to muck around with the computer code and ended up crashing the system.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Harm
Implies that the person’s actions might cause damage or problems.
You might erase important files if you muck around with the software settings.
Pro Tip 3/3Casual Warning
It's a light-hearted warning to not interfere with something.
Please don't muck around with the thermostat; it's very sensitive.
Never forget "Muck around with"
Humans forget easily. That's why you should download WordUp: Smart reminders, word games, AI practice, and much more!
WordUp Chrome Extension
As you browse the web instantly look up words you don’t know.
Get Chrome Extension