Play like a fiddle Meaning in English
expression
ˈpɫeɪ/ /ˈɫaɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈfɪdəɫ
PLAY LYKE uh FID-uhl
plˈeɪ/ /lˈaɪk/ /æɪ/ /fˈɪdəl
play LYKE uh FID-uhl
Definition
To control, trick, or manipulate someone very easily, often in a clever or sneaky way.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and idiomatic. Usually used when someone is cleverly manipulated, often without realizing it. The expression always refers to the person being controlled, not the manipulator. Common in negative contexts.
Spanish: manipular fácilmentePortuguese (BR): manipular facilmentePortuguese (PT): manipular facilmenteChinese (Simplified): 轻易操纵Chinese (Traditional): 輕易操縱Hindi: आसानी से अपनी चाल में फँसानाArabic: يخدع بسهولةBengali: নাচাতে থাকা - ঠকানো (চতুরভাবে)Russian: крутить как хочет - водить за носJapanese: 手玉に取る - 思いどおりに操るVietnamese: xỏ mũi - điều khiển dễ dàngKorean: 손바닥 위에서 놀리다 - 마음대로 조종하다Turkish: parmağında oynatmakUrdu: مٹھی میں رکھنا - آسانی سے استعمال کرناIndonesian: dipermainkan - dikendalikan dengan mudah
Example Sentences
He was played like a fiddle by his business partner.
basic
She felt embarrassed after being played like a fiddle.
basic
Don't let them play you like a fiddle.
basic
Wow, he really played me like a fiddle—I never saw it coming!
natural
If you're not careful, people will play you like a fiddle.
natural
He thought he was in charge, but she played him like a fiddle the whole time.
natural