tinker with

Idioms  

1. Try to repair, work aimlessly or unskillfully with, as in He tinkered with the engine all day but it still wouldn't start. This idiom, first recorded in 1658, alludes to working as a tinker, that is, mending metal utensils.

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Example Sentences

Earlier this year, she toured Tinker with Balfour officials.

From Reuters • Jul. 22, 2019

The dress arrived at the Brighton studio of specialist textile conservator Zenzie Tinker with a box of tattered pieces.

From The Guardian • Mar. 11, 2011

Never mind," rejoined the Tinker, with a cunning look; "you see I does know some cur'ous matters as veil as you, my old file.

From Auriol or, The Elixir of Life by Ainsworth, W. Harrison

"Oh, not a roulette bank or baccarat bank," said Tinker with well-affected hastiness.

From The Admirable Tinker Child of the World by Jepson, Edgar

He had found that his gift stood him in such good stead in his varying fortunes that he spared no pains to equip Tinker with the faculty even more finely developed.

From The Admirable Tinker Child of the World by Jepson, Edgar