trifle with
B2 formal inseparable transitive
In simple words
To not take something or someone seriously when you really should.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
formal
To treat something serious in a casual or disrespectful way.
"This is a matter of public safety — it is not something to be trifled with."
"He is not a man to be trifled with."
— Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes
Grammar: inseparable
2 C1
idiomatic
formal
To treat someone's feelings, especially romantic feelings, carelessly or without sincerity.
"How dare you trifle with her affections after everything she did for you!"
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Often used in warnings or negative constructions: 'not to be trifled with'. Carries a tone of warning or indignation. More common in British English and formal registers. The phrase 'not to be trifled with' is a fixed, very common expression.
Commonly used with
affections emotions feelings law safety matter
Forms
Base
trifle with
I/you/we/they
3rd person
trifles with
he/she/it
Past simple
trifled with
yesterday
Past participle
trifled with
have + pp
-ing form
trifling with
continuous
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Synonyms
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