fool with (someone or something)
1. To play or tinker with something, often in an aimless manner. Hey, don't fool with the thermostat—it needs to stay at 68 degrees. Grandpa's still fooling with that old radio, but I doubt he'll get it to work again. Why did I fool with the settings on my computer? It's all messed up now!
2. To engage in aimless recreation or frivolous time-wasting with someone or something. Quit fooling with the dog and work on your book report already! If you three hadn't spent every lecture fooling with each other, maybe you would have gotten a passing grade. Colin, stop fooling with your friends and come inside for your dinner.
3. To tease, mock, or bully someone. Sarah's a very sensitive kid, so don't fool with her. If you keep fooling with me like that, you're going to get a punch in the nose! If you fool with your brother, don't be surprised when he turns around and fools with you one day.
4. To interfere, associate, or become involved with someone or something, especially when doing so is dangerous. He's going to get himself killed if he keeps fooling with those gangsters. You're fooling with political forces beyond your understanding. These people have a lot of power and access to weapons—do not fool with them.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
fool (around) with someone or something
1. to waste time in the company of someone or a group. Stop fooling around with those guys. They're up to no good most of the time. Better not fool around with part-time work. Go get a good job if you can.
2. to have dealings with or tamper with someone or something. You had better not fool around with my little sister. Don't fool with that thing!
3. to challenge or threaten someone or something. You had better not fool around with me, if you know what's good for you. Don't fool with the police force!
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.