fiddle: Meaning and Definition of

fid•dle

1. a musical instrument of the viol family.
2. violin: Her aunt plays first fiddle with the state symphony orchestra.
3. a small ledge or barrier raised in heavy weather to keep dishes, pots, utensils, etc., from sliding off tables and stoves.
4. swindle; fraud.
5. See(def. 6).
6. in perfect health; very fit: The doctor told him he was fit as a fiddle.
7. See

1. to play on the fiddle.
2. to make trifling or fussing movements with the hands (often fol. by with): fiddling with his cuffs.
3. to touch or manipulate something, as to operate or adjust it; tinker (often fol. by with): You may have to fiddle with the antenna to get a clear picture on the TV.
4. to waste time; trifle; dally (often fol. by around): Stop fiddling around and get to work.
5. to cheat.

1. to play (a tune) on a fiddle.
2. to trifle or waste (usually used with away): to fiddle time away.
3. to bind together (sections or leaves of a book) by threading a cord through holes cut lengthwise into the back.
4. to fiddle the account books.
1. to falsify:to fiddle the account books.
2. to cheat:to fiddle the company out of expense money.