fiddly
gb/fˈɪdli/ us/fˈɪdli/
B2
English
babrás, pepecselős, körülményes, macerás, kukacos, szőrszálhasogató
B2
INFORMAL
1
babrás
B2
pepecselős
C1
Usage pattern:
[task/device/part] is fiddly; fiddly to [do]
The clasp is fiddly, especially if you’re wearing gloves.
A kapcsot babrás bekapcsolni, főleg kesztyűben.
It’s a fiddly job tightening those tiny screws without dropping them.
Pepecselős munka meghúzni azokat az apró csavarokat úgy, hogy ne ejtsd le őket.
The app works well, but the settings menu is a bit fiddly to navigate.
Learner examples
The instructions are easy, but the last step is fiddly.
Az utasítások egyszerűek, de az utolsó lépés babrás.
This camera is fiddly to use.
Ezt a fényképezőgépet babrás használni.
Common mistake:
Often confused with the verb "fiddle" (to play with something); "fiddly" describes a task or object, not the action.
Meaning
hard due to small parts
Collocations
fiddly job
|fiddly work
|fiddly task
|fiddly process
|fiddly controls
|fiddly buttons
|fiddly little screws
|fiddly to assemble
|fiddly to use
|fiddly to fit
Synonyms
tricky (More general; not necessarily about small parts.)
|
delicate (Emphasizes easy to damage rather than awkwardness.)
|
intricate (Emphasizes complexity and fine detail.)
Antonyms
straightforward (Easy to do without careful precision.)
|
simple (Not complex or detailed.)
Themes
daily_life
|tools
|work
|technology
Definition
Hard because you must be very careful with small parts.
Difficult to do or use because it involves small, delicate, or intricate parts that require careful, precise handling.
B2
INFORMAL
2
körülményes
B2
macerás
B1
Usage pattern:
a fiddly [procedure/rule/bit of paperwork]
The booking system is fiddly and makes you enter the same information twice.
A foglalási rendszer körülményes, és ugyanazokat az adatokat kétszer kell megadni benne.
Getting the refund was fiddly, with loads of small requirements.
A visszatérítés megszerzése macerás volt, mert rengeteg apró feltételnek kellett megfelelni.
It’s a great recipe, but the decoration is a bit fiddly.
Learner examples
The online form is fiddly.
Az online űrlap körülményes.
The rules are fiddly to follow.
A szabályokat körülményes betartani.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse it for any difficulty; it typically suggests lots of small details/steps rather than one big challenge.
Meaning
annoyingly complicated and detailed
Collocations
fiddly paperwork
|fiddly procedure
|fiddly rules
|fiddly details
|fiddly regulations
|fiddly form
|fiddly setup
|fiddly process
|fiddly requirements
|fiddly changes
Synonyms
fussy (Often about rules/requirements being overly particular.)
|
overcomplicated (More direct; less about small details.)
|
awkward (More general; may not imply lots of details.)
Antonyms
easy (Not difficult or annoying to deal with.)
|
streamlined (Designed to be simple and efficient.)
Themes
daily_life
|work
|emotions
Definition
Complicated in a way that feels annoying.
Involving too many small details or steps, in a way that feels unnecessarily complicated or irritating.
C1
INFORMAL
3
kukacos
B2
Usage pattern:
a fiddly [person/customer/eater]
He can be a bit fiddly about how the files are named.
Kicsit kukacos tud lenni azzal kapcsolatban, hogyan vannak elnevezve a fájlok.
Some clients are fiddly and want every tiny change approved.
Néhány ügyfél szőrszálhasogató, és azt akarja, hogy minden apró változtatást jóváhagyjanak.
Learner examples
My boss is fiddly about small mistakes.
A főnököm kukacos az apró hibákkal kapcsolatban.
Common mistake:
This sense is less common than the task/object senses; "picky" or "fussy" is usually more natural.
Meaning
fussy about small details
Collocations
a fiddly customer
|a fiddly eater
|a fiddly person
|fiddly about details
Synonyms
finicky (More common for people being hard to please.)
|
picky (More everyday and common, especially about food/choices.)
Antonyms
easy-going (Not demanding about details.)
|
undemanding (Easy to satisfy.)
Themes
people
|emotions
Definition
Too picky about small details.
Overly concerned with small details; difficult to satisfy because of particular preferences.
Grammar
Dictionary form
fiddly
IPA
GB/fˈɪdli/
US/fˈɪdli/
Syllables & stress
fiddly (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (fiddly)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: fiddly
- Comparative: fiddlier
- Superlative: fiddliest
Word family
Expressions
a bit fiddly
1/ə bˈɪt fˈɪdli/
fixed phrase
informal
somewhat difficult and awkward
A little difficult because of small details.
Examples
- The lid is a bit fiddly to open at first.
- It’s a bit fiddly, but you get used to it after a few tries.
- This part is a bit fiddly, so take your time.
Learner examples
- The button is a bit fiddly.
fiddly bits
1/fˈɪdli bˈɪts/
fixed phrase
informal
small awkward parts
Small parts that are hard to handle.
Examples
- I’ve done the main assembly—now I just need to attach the fiddly bits.
- Keep the fiddly bits in a tray so you don’t lose them.
- The fiddly bits are easier if you use tweezers.
Learner examples
- The fiddly bits are hard to put on.