trifle
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a trifle
A little. I'm feeling a trifle hungry, but I don't want a big, heavy meal right now. OK, traffic is crazy, so I'm going to be a trifle late to the party. That sweater is cute, but it looks a trifle big on you.
See also: trifle
mere trifle
1. An insignificant or unimportant thing or matter. A: "What do you make of the prediction that sales will take a steep drop next month?" B: "A mere trifle—if there is in fact a drop, it should have no bearing on our bottom line for the end-of-year profits." He dismissed the allegation as a mere trifle trying to distract from his campaign efforts.
2. A very small or trifling amount (of something). A: "No thank you, I couldn't eat another bite." B: "Oh, come now, it's just a tiny bit of chocolate—a mere trifle!" A: "I can't believe you would go out and buy a new car without consulting me!" B: "It only cost a mere trifle, so I didn't think you'd mind!"
trifle away
To exhaust or deplete some resource in a wasteful, careless, or irresponsible manner. A noun or pronoun can be used between "trifle" and "away." You'll never afford a house if you keep trifling your money away on such useless extravagances. With this shallow, stupid sequel, the film studio has trifled away a lot of the goodwill they created among fans of the franchise. She had plenty of time to complete her essay, but she trifled her time away.
trifle with (someone or something)
To treat or deal with someone or something in a frivolous or disrespectful manner. Often used in passive constructions. You can't just go through life trifling with people and their affections without any regard for their well-being. I wouldn't do that if I were you—the plans of the boss are not to be trifled with.
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Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
mere trifle
Fig. a tiny bit; a small, unimportant matter; a small amount of money. But this isn't expensive! It costs a mere trifle!
trifle something away (on someone or something)
to waste something, such as money, on someone or something, little by little. Don't trifle all your money away on your friends. Don't trifle away any more money on silly purchases.
trifle with someone or something
to act without seriousness or respect toward someone or something. Don't talk that way to me! I am not to be trifled with. I wish that Ann wouldn't trifle with our efforts at reform.
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McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
trifle with
v.
To play or toy with someone or something: Don't trifle with my affections. My strict boss is not someone to be trifled with.
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The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs. Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
a trifle
A little; somewhat: a trifle stingy.
See also: trifle
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.