English Dictionary

fiddle

/ˈfɪd(ə)l/

noun

Synonym of violin, a small unfretted stringed instrument with four strings tuned (lowest to highest) G-D-A-E, usually held against the chin and played with a bow; the position of a violinist in a band; (usually proscribed) any stringed instrument, particularly those of the violin family.

He played a beautiful tune on the fiddle.

意味（1）

Synonym of violin, a small unfretted stringed instrument with four strings tuned (lowest to highest) G-D-A-E, usually held against the chin and played with a bow; the position of a violinist in a band; (usually proscribed) any stringed instrument, particularly those of the violin family.

...Of harpe & of salteriun. of fiðele & of coriun...

意味（2）

(figuratively) Synonym of clown: an unserious person entertaining a group.

1693, John Locke, Some Thoughts Concerning Education, p. 208:

意味（3）

(chiefly US, dated slang) Synonym of scam, a fraud intended to cheat or impress others.

Says Bevin: 'I want peace... and we shan't get it unless we deal with one another as friends. I will be a party to no fiddles.'

意味（4）

(slang) Synonym of workaround, a quick and less than perfect solution for some flaw or problem.

That parameter setting is just a fiddle to make the lighting look right.

意味（5）

(especially nautical) Any rail or device that prevents items from sliding off a table, stove, etc. in rough water.

The meal is served on special trays which slot into the arms of airline-type seats of the passenger coaches. The trays have fiddles for each of the plates, cups and glasses, and the crockery is so well-designed that it is seldom any of the contents get spilled.

意味（6）

(UK slang, obsolete) Synonym of arrest warrant.

意味（7）

(UK slang, obsolete) Synonym of watchman's rattle.

意味（8）

(UK slang, obsolete) A trifling amount.

Done at a fiddle.

意味（9）

(biology) A dock (Rumex pulcher) with leaves supposed to resemble the musical instrument.

意味（10）

A long pole pulled by a draft animal to drag loose straw, hay, etc.

意味（11）

A rack for drying pottery after glazing.