fiddle

[fid-l]

noun

1. a musical instrument of the viol family.

2. violin.

   Her aunt plays first fiddle with the state symphony orchestra.

3. Nautical.,  a small ledge or barrier raised in heavy weather to keep dishes, pots, utensils, etc., from sliding off tables and stoves.

4. British Informal.,  swindle; fraud.

verb (used without object)

fiddled, fiddling 

1. to play on the fiddle.

2. to make trifling or fussing movements with the hands (often followed bywith ).

   fiddling with his cuffs.

3. to touch or manipulate something, as to operate or adjust it; tinker (often followed bywith ).

   You may have to fiddle with the antenna to get a clear picture on the TV.

4. to waste time; trifle; dally (often followed byaround ).

   Stop fiddling around and get to work.

5. British Informal.,  to cheat.

verb (used with object)

fiddled, fiddling 

1. to play (a tune) on a fiddle.

2. to trifle or waste (usually used withaway ).

   to fiddle time away.

3. Bookbinding.,  to bind together (sections or leaves of a book) by threading a cord through holes cut lengthwise into the back.

4. British Informal.

   1. to falsify.

      to fiddle the account books.

   2. to cheat.

      to fiddle the company out of expense money.

fiddle

/ ˈfɪdəl /

noun

1. informal,  any instrument of the viol or violin family, esp the violin

2. a violin played as a folk instrument

3. time-wasting or trifling behaviour; nonsense; triviality

4. nautical a small railing around the top of a table to prevent objects from falling off it in bad weather

5. informal,  an illegal or fraudulent transaction or arrangement

6. informal,  a manually delicate or tricky operation

7. informal,  engaged in an illegal or fraudulent undertaking

8. informal,  a dismal or gloomy facial expression

9. informal,  in very good health

10. informal,  to be subordinate; play a minor part

verb

1. to play (a tune) on the fiddle

2. to make restless or aimless movements with the hands

3. informal,  to spend (time) or act in a careless or inconsequential manner; waste (time)

4. informal,  (often foll by with) to tamper or interfere (with)

5. informal,  to contrive to do (something) by illicit means or deception

   he fiddled his way into a position of trust

6. informal,  (tr) to falsify (accounts, etc); swindle

fiddle

1. Another name for the violin; fiddle is the more common term for the instrument as played in folk music and bluegrass.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiddle¹

before 1000; Middle English; Old English fithele (cognate with German Fiedel, Dutch vedel, Old High German fidula ) probably < Vulgar Latin *vītula ( viol, viola ¹ ), perhaps derivative of Latin vītulārī to rejoice

Word History and Origins

Origin of fiddle¹

Old English fithele , probably from Medieval Latin vītula , from Latin vītulārī to celebrate; compare Old High German fidula fiddle; see _viola ¹

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. play second fiddle. second fiddle.

2. fit as a fiddle, in perfect health; very fit: Also as fit as a fiddle.

   The doctor told him he was fit as a fiddle.

3. fine as a fiddle, fiddle.

More idioms and phrases containing fiddle

• fit as a fiddle
• hang up (one's fiddle)
• play second fiddle

Example Sentences

“Between the two of us, we’ll have you fit as a fiddle in no time.”

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“Oh, I’m fit as a fiddle, more or less,” he said, eyes darting this way and that.

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The pretty young housemaid finally appeared, with her high voice squeaky as a fiddle and her cheeks flushed from running up the stairs double time.

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As I sat at the kitchen table still fiddling with my oatmeal, I couldn’t get my brother Charlie out of my mind.

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Reid’s Merope and Reis’ Antigone, ferocious in their different ways, refuse to play second fiddle to Manville’s Jocasta when it comes to Oedipus’ affections.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• fidget 
• fool 
• interfere