fiddles

Any of various bowed string instruments, often a violin when played in any of various traditional styles, as opposed to classical violin.

“When I play it like this, it's a fiddle; when I play it like that, it's a violin.”

A kind of dock (Rumex pulcher) with leaves shaped like the musical instrument.

An adjustment intended to cover up a basic flaw.

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

A fraud; a scam.

On board a ship or boat, a rail or batten around the edge of a table or stove to prevent objects falling off at sea. (Also fiddle rail)

To play aimlessly.

“You're fiddling your life away.”

To adjust or manipulate for deception or fraud.

“Fred was sacked when the auditors caught him fiddling the books.”

To play traditional tunes on a violin in a non-classical style.

To touch or fidget with something in a restless or nervous way, or tinker with something in an attempt to make minor adjustments or improvements.