- a musical instrument of the viol family.
- violin: Her aunt plays first fiddle with the state symphony orchestra.
- a small ledge or barrier raised in heavy weather to keep dishes, pots, utensils, etc., from sliding off tables and stoves.
- swindle; fraud.
- to play on the fiddle.
- to make trifling or fussing movements with the hands (often followed by with): fiddling with his cuffs.
- to touch or manipulate something, as to operate or adjust it; tinker (often followed by with): You may have to fiddle with the antenna to get a clear picture on the TV.
- to waste time; trifle; dally (often followed by around): Stop fiddling around and get to work.
- to cheat.
- to play (a tune) on a fiddle.
- to trifle or waste (usually used with away): to fiddle time away.
- 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.
- fiddle (def. 15).
- in perfect health; very fit: The doctor told him he was fit as a fiddle.
- second fiddle.
- any instrument of the viol or violin family, esp the violin
- a violin played as a folk instrument
- time-wasting or trifling behaviour; nonsense; triviality
- a small railing around the top of a table to prevent objects from falling off it in bad weather
- an illegal or fraudulent transaction or arrangement
- a manually delicate or tricky operation
- engaged in an illegal or fraudulent undertaking
- a dismal or gloomy facial expression
- in very good health
- to be subordinate; play a minor part
- to play (a tune) on the fiddle
- to make restless or aimless movements with the hands
- to spend (time) or act in a careless or inconsequential manner; waste (time)
- to tamper or interfere (with)
- to contrive to do (something) by illicit means or deception
- to falsify (accounts, etc); swindle
