mischief

Everyday

1. Mischief is naughty behaviour that is usually playful and not very harmful, like playing tricks. tree →
2. Mischief can also mean harm or trouble caused on purpose. tree →
3. A wish to tease or play tricks, as in "a look of mischief". tree →

In the lessons

In stories, children and animals "get up to mischief"; it tells the reader the character is cheeky and fun but causes trouble. In everyday life parents warn children to keep out of mischief. In the UK "Mischief Night" is a night of pranks in some places. Phrases: "get up to mischief", "keep out of mischief", "make mischief", "full of mischief", "a twinkle of mischief".

Examples

• The puppy got into mischief and chewed my slippers. tree →
• Grandma gave us jobs to keep us out of mischief. tree →
• His eyes were full of mischief as he hid the teacher's chalk. tree →
• The twins are always up to mischief. tree →
• The goblins made mischief in the village every night. tree →
• She gave me a look of mischief before pouring water on Dad. tree →
• (formal) The rumours were spread to make mischief between the two families. tree →
• His hands are always kept in mischief. tree →

Note

Uncountable: you say "some mischief", not "a mischief" or "mischiefs". Spelled "mischief", with -ief. The adjective is "mischievous", pronounced MIS-chi-vus with three syllables; saying "mis-CHEE-vee-us" with an extra syllable is a common mistake.

In Jewish tradition

The Israelite foremen see that they are in trouble because Pharaoh has made their work harder. In the primary lessons: In stories, children and animals "get up to mischief"; it tells the reader the character is cheeky and fun but causes trouble. In everyday life parents warn children to keep out of mischief. In the UK "Mischief Night" is a night of pranks in some places. Phrases: "get up to mischief", "keep out of mischief", "make mischief", "full of mischief", "a twinkle of mischief".

Examples

• And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were set on mischief, when they said: 'Ye shall not diminish aught from your bricks, your daily task.' (Torah EXO.5.19, JPS 1917) tree →
• Why dost Thou show me iniquity, and beholdest mischief? (Prophets HAB.1.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. (Writings PRO.24.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity, and their belly prepareth deceit. (Writings JOB.15.35, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable: you say "some mischief", not "a mischief" or "mischiefs". Spelled "mischief", with -ief. The adjective is "mischievous", pronounced MIS-chi-vus with three syllables; saying "mis-CHEE-vee-us" with an extra syllable is a common mistake.