meddling

Everyday

1. (noun) The act of getting involved in other people's business when you are not wanted. tree →
2. (adjective) Often interfering in other people's affairs: «a meddling neighbour». tree →
3. (verb form) «-ing» form of «meddle»: «Stop meddling!» tree →

In the lessons

In stories, a meddling character (an aunt, a neighbour, a nosy fairy) causes problems by interfering. In history and news, «foreign meddling» means one country interfering in another's politics. In everyday life adults say «Stop meddling!» to children fiddling with things. Phrases: «a meddling busybody», «foreign meddling».

Examples

• The meddling neighbour told everyone our news. tree →
• Her meddling made the problem worse. tree →
• Stop meddling with the thermostat! tree →
• The villain shouted about «meddling kids». tree →
• There were claims of foreign meddling in the election. tree →
• The meddling cat knocked the jigsaw off the table. tree →
• Thanks to his meddling, the surprise party was ruined. tree →
• Grandad hates meddling, so he lets us solve our own problems. tree →
• Running to her father, she told him of her Brother's conceit, and accused him of meddling with his mother's things. tree →

Note

Form of «meddle». As a noun it is uncountable. Homophone trap: «medalling» (winning a medal, in sports talk) sounds similar. Spelling: double d, «-ling». Not a maths word.

In Jewish tradition

King Josiah is told by Pharaoh Necho not to meddle with God, who is on Necho's side. Josiah did not listen and was killed.

Interpretation. Tradition debates why a good king like Josiah died. Some read this as a lesson that he did not listen to a message that came from God.

Examples

• I come not against thee this day, but against the house wherewith I have war; and God hath given command to speed me; forbear thee from meddling with God, who is with me, that He destroy thee not.' (Writings 2CH.35.21, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Form of «meddle». As a noun it is uncountable. Homophone trap: «medalling» (winning a medal, in sports talk) sounds similar. Spelling: double d, «-ling». Not a maths word.