fiddle about
B1 informal intransitive
In simple words
To touch or move things in a small, unnecessary way, or to waste time not doing anything useful.
Literal meaning: To make small, uncertain movements like playing a fiddle (violin) without purpose.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
To waste time doing unimportant or unproductive things instead of getting on with something.
"Stop fiddling about and get your homework done!"
2 B1 informal
To touch or handle something repeatedly with small, aimless movements.
"She sat fiddling about with her earrings, trying to look calm."
Usage notes
Chiefly British English. Can express mild frustration at someone wasting time or tinkering unnecessarily. Similar to 'fiddle around' but more common in British and Irish English. Often followed by 'with' to specify what is being fiddled with.
Commonly used with
time controls settings gadget papers keys
Forms
Base
fiddle about
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fiddles about
he/she/it
Past simple
fiddled about
yesterday
Past participle
fiddled about
have + pp
-ing form
fiddling about
continuous
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