1 B1 informal
To touch or handle something repeatedly in a nervous, restless, or absent-minded way.
"She kept fiddling with her wedding ring throughout the interview."
inseparable
fiddle with
B1 informal inseparable transitive
To touch, move, or adjust something repeatedly in a small, often nervous or purposeless way.
In plain English
To keep touching or playing with something, usually because you are nervous or bored, or because you are trying to fix or adjust it.
What does "fiddle with" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 informal
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."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To interfere with something in an unauthorized or inappropriate way.
"Someone had been fiddling with the lock on the storeroom door."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To make small adjustments or movements with something, as if playing a fiddle (violin).
Actually means
To keep touching or playing with something, usually because you are nervous or bored, or because you are trying to fix or adjust it.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "fiddle with"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pen hair controls settings phone lock
How to conjugate "fiddle with"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "fiddle with" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "fiddle with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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