fiddle with

B1 informal inseparable transitive

In simple words

To keep touching or playing with something, usually because you are nervous or bored, or because you are trying to fix or adjust it.

Literal meaning: To make small adjustments or movements with something, as if playing a fiddle (violin).

Meanings

1 B1 informal

very common

To touch or handle something repeatedly in a nervous, restless, or absent-minded way.

"She kept fiddling with her wedding ring throughout the interview."

Grammar: inseparable

2 B1 informal

very common

To make small adjustments to a machine, device, or system, often trying to fix or improve it.

"He fiddled with the TV aerial for ten minutes before the picture became clear."

Grammar: inseparable

3 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To interfere with something in an unauthorized or inappropriate way.

"Someone had been fiddling with the lock on the storeroom door."

Grammar: inseparable

Usage notes

Very common in everyday British and American English. Can have a negative connotation if it implies tampering or unauthorized adjustment. Often reflects nervousness (fidgeting) or mild tinkering. 'Don't fiddle with that!' is a classic parental expression.

Commonly used with

pen hair controls settings phone lock

Forms

Base

fiddle with

I/you/we/they

3rd person

fiddles with

he/she/it

Past simple

fiddled with

yesterday

Past participle

fiddled with

have + pp

-ing form

fiddling with

continuous

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