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.
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 20 May. 2025.
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