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fiddle around

B1 informal intransitive
In simple words

To keep touching or trying to fix something without doing it properly, or to waste time.

Literal meaning: To make small movements around something, like the bow of a fiddle (violin) moving uncertainly.

Meanings

1 B1 idiomatic informal

To waste time doing things of little importance instead of being productive.

"We've been fiddling around for an hour — can we please just make a decision?"

2 B1 informal

To repeatedly touch, adjust, or tinker with something in a purposeless or ineffective way.

"He spent the whole afternoon fiddling around with the old radio, but he couldn't fix it."

3 B2 idiomatic informal

To experiment casually or explore something without a specific goal.

"I've been fiddling around with a new recipe for bread, but I haven't got it right yet."

Usage notes

Common in American and British English. Often followed by 'with' when referring to a specific object. Carries a mild tone of criticism or impatience. Can describe tinkering with technology, settings, or objects as well as wasting time generally.

Commonly used with

settings computer radio controls time idea

Forms

Base
fiddle around
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fiddles around
he/she/it
Past simple
fiddled around
yesterday
Past participle
fiddled around
have + pp
-ing form
fiddling around
continuous

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