fool with
B2 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
Touch or play with something in a way that could cause trouble.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To handle or tamper with something in a careless or dangerous way.
"Don't fool with the electric panel — you could hurt yourself."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B2
idiomatic
informal
To get involved with a person or situation in a way that is risky or inadvisable.
"I wouldn't fool with him if I were you — he has a bad reputation."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often carries a warning tone: 'Don't fool with that!' Can describe both physical tampering with objects and getting romantically or dangerously involved with people.
Commonly used with
gun equipment wiring feelings stranger danger
Forms
Base
fool with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fools with
he/she/it
Past simple
fooled with
yesterday
Past participle
fooled with
have + pp
-ing form
fooling with
continuous
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