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?"
fiddle around
B1 informal intransitive
To waste time or handle something repeatedly in a small, purposeless way; to tinker without achieving much.
In plain English
To keep touching or trying to fix something without doing it properly, or to waste time.
What does "fiddle around" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make small movements around something, like the bow of a fiddle (violin) moving uncertainly.
Actually means
To keep touching or trying to fix something without doing it properly, or to waste time.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "fiddle around"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
settings computer radio controls time idea
How to conjugate "fiddle around"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "fiddle around" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fiddle around" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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