Monkey with Meaning in English

expression

US

UK

Definition

To play, experiment, or tinker with something, often without knowing exactly what you’re doing. It usually means changing or interfering with something in a careless, playful, or curious way.

Usage & Nuances

Informal; often used negatively if someone's interference causes problems. Common with tools, technology, or systems: "monkey with the settings". Implies lack of expertise. Not used for serious or expert adjustment.

• Spanish: juguetear con - trastear con
• Portuguese (BR): mexer em - fuçar em
• Portuguese (PT): mexer com - brincar com
• Chinese (Simplified): 摆弄 - 捣鼓
• Chinese (Traditional): 擺弄 - 搗鼓
• Hindi: के साथ छेड़छाड़ करना - के साथ खेलना
• Arabic: يعبث بـ - يتلاعب بـ
• Bengali: খেলা করা - নাড়াচাড়া করা
• Russian: возиться с - баловаться с
• Japanese: いじくる - いじる
• Vietnamese: nghịch với - vọc với
• Korean: 만지작거리다 - 장난치다
• Turkish: kurcalamak - karıştırmak
• Urdu: کے ساتھ چھیڑ چھاڑ کرنا - کھیلنا
• Indonesian: mengoprek - utak-atik

Example Sentences

Don't monkey with the wires, or you might get shocked.

basic

The kids like to monkey with the TV remote.

basic

He shouldn't monkey with Dad's tools.

basic

My computer broke after I monkeyed with the system files.

natural

Stop monkeying with the thermostat—it's finally warm in here!

natural

You'll just make things worse if you monkey with it any more.

natural