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!"
fiddle about
B1 informal intransitive
To waste time on unimportant things, or to touch or adjust something repeatedly in a nervous or purposeless way.
In plain English
To touch or move things in a small, unnecessary way, or to waste time not doing anything useful.
What does "fiddle about" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
To touch or handle something repeatedly with small, aimless movements.
"She sat fiddling about with her earrings, trying to look calm."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make small, uncertain movements like playing a fiddle (violin) without purpose.
Actually means
To touch or move things in a small, unnecessary way, or to waste time not doing anything useful.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "fiddle about"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
time controls settings gadget papers keys
How to conjugate "fiddle about"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "fiddle about" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fiddle about" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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