fiddle

fid-dle · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (Informal) A violin, especially when used to play folk music.

  2. 2.

    (British, informal) A dishonest action or scheme; a swindle.

Forms

plural: fiddles

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    fit as a fiddle — in excellent health
  • •
    play second fiddle — to take a subordinate role
  • •
    fiddle around/about — to waste time on trivial activities
  • •
    while Rome burns — to occupy oneself with trivial matters during a crisis

Related words

See also: instrument, music, violin
Synonyms: violin

Etymology

From Old English fithele, related to Medieval Latin vitula ("stringed instrument"), possibly connected to vitulari ("to celebrate"). The word has been in use since before the 12th century.