On the fiddle: Learn what the means through example!

What does “On the fiddle” mean?

"On the fiddle" means engaging in dishonest or illegal activities, especially for personal gain.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The politician was caught on the fiddle and faced charges of corruption.

Example

He was suspected of being on the fiddle for years before finally being caught.

Example

The company's CEO was found guilty of being on the fiddle and was sentenced to prison

Is “On the fiddle” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“On the fiddle” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “On the fiddle” effectively in context?

You can use "On the fiddle" to describe someone who is engaging in dishonest or illegal activities, especially for personal gain. It implies that the person is involved in fraudulent behavior or corruption. For example, if you suspect someone of embezzling money from a company, you might say, 'I think he's on the fiddle.'

  • 1Politics

    The politician was caught on the fiddle and faced charges of corruption.

  • 2Suspicion

    He was suspected of being on the fiddle for years before finally being caught.

  • 3Corporate Scandal

    The company's CEO was found guilty of being on the fiddle and was sentenced to prison.

Similar phrases to “On the fiddle”:

To manipulate financial records or accounts dishonestly

Example

The accountant was fired for cooking the books.

To deceive or trick someone

Example

He tried to pull a fast one on his friends by pretending to be someone else.

Done secretly or illegally, usually involving money

Example

They made a deal under the table to avoid paying taxes.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “On the fiddle” come from?

The origin of the phrase "On the fiddle" is unknown.

Is “On the fiddle” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "On the fiddle" is not as common in everyday conversation as some other idioms. It may be more commonly used in certain contexts, such as discussions about corruption or fraud.

What tone does “On the fiddle” have?

"On the fiddle" conveys a tone of suspicion and disapproval. It suggests that someone is involved in dishonest or illegal activities and implies a negative judgment of their actions.

Can “On the fiddle” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "On the fiddle" is relatively informal and may be more commonly used in casual conversations rather than formal settings. It is often used in discussions about wrongdoing or illegal activities.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He was caught on the fiddle and faced legal consequences.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I think he's "on the fiddle"!' to express suspicion.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

  • engaged in fraud
  • involved in corruption
  • dishonest activities
  • illegally profiting

Antonyms

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