fiddle with; manipulate; stir up trouble
Meanings
3 senses · 9 examplesverb
to move back and forth with fingers, hands, feet, or a stick; to fiddle with
A concrete action, often used for objects like strings, fire, or small items.
She plucked the guitar strings idly.
He poked the charcoal in the brazier with a small stick to make the fire burn brighter.
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Stop fiddling with that switch; you're going to break it.
verb
to manipulate; to control; to boss around
informalDescribes controlling or manipulating a person's actions, often with a negative connotation.
He wants to manipulate people? Impossible!
This boss likes to boss his subordinates around, making them do things his way.
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She felt like a pawn, being manipulated at will by others.
verb
to stir up; to sow discord; to incite trouble
derogatorySpecifically refers to instigating conflict between people, often secretly.
He always stirs up trouble among colleagues, undermining unity.
These rumors were deliberately stirred up by someone.
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Don't listen to him; he's trying to sow discord between you brothers.