(~s, fiddling, ~d)
1.
If you ~ with an object, you keep moving it or touching it with your fingers.
Harriet ~d with a pen on the desk.
VERB: V with n
2.
If you ~ with something, you change it in minor ways.
She told Whistler that his portrait of her was finished and to stop fiddling with it.
VERB: V with n
3.
If you ~ with a machine, you adjust it.
He turned on the radio and ~d with the knob until he got a talk show.
VERB: V with n
4.
If someone ~s financial documents, they alter them dishonestly so that they get money for themselves. (BRIT INFORMAL)
He’s been fiddling the books...
VERB: V n
5.
Some people call violins ~s, especially when they are used to play folk music.
Hardy as a young man played the ~ at local dances.
= violin
N-VAR: oft the N
6.
Someone who is as fit as a ~ is very healthy and full of energy.
I’m as fit as a ~–with energy to spare.
PHRASE: v-link PHR
7.
If you play second ~ to someone, your position is less important than theirs in something that you are doing together.
She hated the thought of playing second ~ to Rose.
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR to n