meddle

Everyday

1. To get involved in someone else's business when you are not wanted, and often make things worse. tree →
2. To touch or fiddle with something you should leave alone: «don't meddle with the wires». tree →

In the lessons

In stories, a meddler pokes their nose into other people's lives, like a nosy neighbour or a busybody aunt; meddling characters often cause trouble. In safety, «don't meddle with» electricity, gas or medicines. Phrases: «meddle in someone's affairs», «meddle with», «stop meddling». Famous line from cartoons: «those meddling kids» (Scooby-Doo).

Examples

• Please don't meddle in our argument. tree →
• My little brother meddled with my model and broke it. tree →
• Never meddle with electric sockets. tree →
• The nosy neighbour always meddles in other people's business. tree →
• «I would have got away with it, if it weren't for you meddling kids!» tree →
• She meddled with the TV settings and now nothing works. tree →
• Grandma says it's best not to meddle. tree →
• Countries should not meddle in other countries' elections. tree →

Note

Regular verb: meddled, meddling. Noun: meddler; adjective: meddlesome. Followed by «in» (affairs) or «with» (objects). Homophone: «medal» (a prize) – sounds the same, different meaning! Not a maths word.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Proverbs teaches people to avoid gossips and troublemakers. Tradition teaches that gossip, called lashon hara, is a serious sin. In the primary lessons: In stories, a meddler pokes their nose into other people's lives, like a nosy neighbour or a busybody aunt; meddling characters often cause trouble. In safety, «don't meddle with» electricity, gas or medicines. Phrases: «meddle in someone's affairs», «meddle with», «stop meddling». Famous line from cartoons: «those meddling kids» (Scooby-Doo).

Examples

• He that goeth about as a talebearer revealeth secrets; therefore meddle not with him that openeth wide his lips. (Writings PRO.20.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• My son, fear thou the LORD and the king, and meddle not with them that are given to change; (Writings PRO.24.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• Thou hast indeed smitten Edom, and will thy heart lift thee up? glory therein, and remain at home; for why shouldest thou meddle with evil, that thou shouldest fall, even thou, and Judah with thee? (Prophets 2KI.14.10, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Regular verb: meddled, meddling. Noun: meddler; adjective: meddlesome. Followed by «in» (affairs) or «with» (objects). Homophone: «medal» (a prize) – sounds the same, different meaning! Not a maths word.