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fool with

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fool (around) with someone or something

 

1. to waste time in the company of someone or a group. Stop fooling around with those guys. They're up to no good most of the time. Better not fool around with part-time work. Go get a good job if you can.

2. to have dealings with or tamper with someone or something. You had better not fool around with my little sister. Don't fool with that thing!

3. to challenge or threaten someone or something. You had better not fool around with me, if you know what's good for you. Don't fool with the police force!

See also: fool

fool with somebody

to deceive or annoy someone for your own amusement He often made promises, but usually he was only fooling with us.

Related vocabulary: fuck with somebody

See also: fool

fool with something

1. to try to fix or use something complicated fiddle with something I'm not an expert, but I've spent 14 years fooling with computers and thought I could handle this problem. Don't fool with those papers! I've got them in a particular order.

Usage notes: usually if you fool with something, you will spoil or break it

2. to be busy with something without a special purpose fiddle with something Sammy was always fooling with his model trains.

Related vocabulary: fuss with something

See also: fool

fool with

v.

1. To alter something improperly: Did someone fool with the computer settings?

2. To tease someone: Don't mind your uncle—he's just fooling with you.

See also: fool