mess with someone/something
mess with (someone or something)
1. To change, fiddle, or play with something, often without permission to do so. My tools are not toys—please do not mess with them. Hey, has someone been messing with the thermostat? It needs to stay at 65 degrees.
2. To get into conflict with someone or something. That group of boys is dangerous—don't mess with them. This lawsuit will teach those puny upstarts not to mess with our company.
3. To interact with someone or something, especially in a risky or foolish manner. A: "Hey, you want a hit of this?" B: "No, I don't mess with drugs, dude." You're way too young to be messing with boys, Sarah.
4. To tease or mock someone. Julie's a very sensitive kid, so don't mess with her. My brother is always messing with me. I wish he would just leave me alone!
5. To confuse or puzzle someone. One minute he's flirting with me, and the next, he's completely disinterested. His mixed signals are totally messing with me!
See also: mess
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
mess with someone/something
and monkey with someone/something in. to bother or interfere with someone or something. Don’t mess with me unless you want trouble. Don’t monkey with the TV. It’s out of kilter.
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.