Definition of the word fiddle about

The expression "fiddle about" is a British idiom that refers to wasting time on unproductive or unnecessary activities. The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the early 19th century when the verb "fiddle" had different connotations than it does today. In those days, "fiddle" was commonly used to describe the act of playing a stringed instrument, such as a violin or a fiddle. But it also had a more general meaning as a synonym for "meddle" or "fuss," meaning to interfere in something without adding much value. It's likely that the expression "fiddle about" was coined as a result of this dual meaning of "fiddle." The verb "fiddle" suggests playing around with something, possibly in a distracted or unproductive way, which resonated with the sense of wasting time. Over time, the usage of "fiddle" as a verb evolved to mainly refer to manipulating sound, and the meaning of "fiddle about" has shifted to predominantly describe wasting time on trivial matters. The additional "about" in the expression helps to emphasize the idea of aimlessness or lack of direction. Despite these changes, the expression "fiddle about" remains a relevant and colorful part of British English, reflecting the country's rich linguistic heritage.