fuss (around) with (something)
To continually fiddle with something, often nervously and unnecessarily. Stop fussing with your hair, honey—it looks great. After I'm done a painting, I don't like to fuss around with it. I didn't wear any rings to the interview because I always fuss around with them when I get nervous.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
fuss (around) with someone or something
to keep bothering with someone or something; to fiddle with someone or something. Don't fuss around with it. We'll have to get a new one. Don't fuss with your children. They will get along just fine without all that attention.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
fuss with
v. To handle or manipulate something excessively and unnecessarily, especially when overly concerned or nervous: The contestants fussed with their outfits before the pageant began.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.