monkey about with (something)

phrasal verb

monkeyed about with; monkeying about with; monkeys about with (something)
British, informal
1
: to use or do (something) in a way that is not very serious
He enjoys monkeying about with his car's engine.
2
: to handle or play with (something) in a careless or foolish way
You shouldn't be monkeying about with dangerous chemicals.

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Cite this Entry

“Monkey about with (something).” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monkey%20about%20with%20%28something%29. Accessed 27 Feb. 2025.

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