a musical instrument of the viol family.

violin

Her aunt plays first fiddle with the state symphony orchestra.

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

British Informal . swindle; fraud.

to play on the fiddle.

to make trifling or fussing movements with the hands (often fol. by with )

fiddling with his cuffs.

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.

to waste time; trifle; dally (often fol. by around )

Stop fiddling around and get to work.

British Informal . to cheat.

to play (a tune) on a fiddle.

to trifle or waste (usually used with away )

to fiddle time away.

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

British Informal .

to falsify

to fiddle the account books.

to cheat

to fiddle the company out of expense money.

fine as a fiddle

South Midland and Southern U.S. fiddle ( def. 15 ) .

fit as a fiddle

in perfect health; very fit

The doctor told him he was fit as a fiddle. Also, as fit as a fiddle.

play second fiddle. second fiddle.

verb

dabble , doodle , feel , fidget , finger , fool , handle , interfere , mess , mess around * , monkey * , play , potter , puddle , putter , tamper , touch , toy , trifle , twiddle , monkey , tinker , meddle , bow , cheat , guardrail , swindle , violin

phrasal verb

dawdle , kill , trifle away , waste , while , wile