fiddle around
Also found in: Dictionary.
Related to fiddle around: fiddle away
fiddle around
1. To play with or idly handle (something); to tinker (with something), especially ineptly or improperly. John, would you quit fiddling around with the engine and bring the car to a shop already? Mary, stop fiddling around with hem of your dress and sit still!
2. To engage in aimless recreation or frivolous time-wasting with someone or something. Quit fiddling around and work on your book report already!
3. To annoy or irritate someone, often by wasting their time. Quit fiddling around with me and give my book back, will you?
fiddle around (with something)
and fiddle about (with something)to play with something; to tinker with something ineptly. My brother is outside fiddling around with his car engine. He should stop fiddling around and go out and get a job.
fiddle around
(with someone) and fiddle about (with someone) to tease, annoy, or play with someone; to waste someone's time. All right, stop fiddling around with me and tell me how much you will give me for my car. Now it's time for all of you to quit fiddling around and get to work. Tom, you have to stop spending your time fiddling about with your friends. It's time to get serious with your studies.
fiddle around
v.
To act foolishly, playfully, or without a clear sense of purpose: If you don't stop fiddling around and start working, we'll never get home.