fiddle

To make small changes to something, often while trying to get it to work.

• Try fiddling with the controls.
• I fiddled with the radio until the sound improved.
• Have you been fiddling with my computer settings?

How to use it: fiddle with something (He fiddled with the speaker wires until the music started.)

Similar words: tinker, adjust

Common phrases: fiddle with something, fiddle with settings

To keep moving your hands or playing with small things, often because you are nervous or bored.

• Stop fiddling and listen.
• She fiddled with her ring during the interview.
• The children kept fiddling in their seats.

How to use it: fiddle with something (He fiddled with a pen while waiting for his name to be called.)

Similar words: fidget, fuss

Common phrases: fiddle with something, fiddle with buttons

To spend time playing or doing unimportant things instead of working.

• Stop fiddling around and finish your work.
• He fiddled away the afternoon instead of studying.
• We cannot fiddle around while everyone else waits.

How to use it: fiddle away something (She fiddled away an hour before starting her homework.)

Similar words: dawdle, mess around

Common phrases: fiddle away time, fiddle around

To change records or figures dishonestly to get money or hide the truth.

• He fiddled his expenses to get extra money.
• The manager was caught fiddling the books.
• Someone has been fiddling the sales figures.

Similar words: falsify, cook

Common phrases: fiddle the books, fiddle expenses

To play folk or country music on a violin.

• She fiddles in a country band.
• He fiddled a lively tune at the wedding.
• They sang while their grandfather fiddled.

Similar words: play the violin

Common phrases: fiddle a tune, fiddle for dancers

A violin used to play folk or country music.

• She plays the fiddle in a folk band.
• The fiddle led the dancers through a lively tune.
• Two fiddles joined the guitar for the final song.

Similar words: violin

Common phrases: play the fiddle, folk fiddle

A small wooden musical instrument with four strings, played by moving a bow across them.

• He keeps his fiddle in a case.
• That old fiddle has a lovely sound.
• The children brought their fiddles to music class.

Similar words: violin

Common phrases: old fiddle, play the fiddle

A dishonest plan to get money or an advantage.

• The whole deal was a fiddle.
• Police uncovered a tax fiddle involving several companies.
• He lost his job over an expenses fiddle.

Similar words: scam, fraud, swindle

Common phrases: tax fiddle, expenses fiddle