MESS WITH Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "mess with" is an idiomatic expression commonly used in informal English, and it carries different meanings depending on the context. Primarily, it refers to the act of tampering, interfering, or engaging in harmful activities that disrupt or cause trouble for someone or something. It involves intentionally disturbing the normal functioning, order, or welfare of a person, situation, or object.
Furthermore, "mess with" can also imply provoking, antagonizing, or challenging someone, often in a confrontational or playful manner. It suggests engaging in playful banter, teasing, or intentionally disrupting the calmness or peace of mind of another person. In this sense, it can be used to describe a light-hearted, possibly mischievous interaction.
Additionally, "mess with" can denote involvement or engagement with someone or something, usually to a degree that is unnecessary or unwanted. It can imply meddling, meddling, or meddling excessively in the affairs, interests, or relationships of others, often resulting in negative consequences or confusion.
Overall, the phrase "mess with" encompasses a range of actions and intentions, all tied to the idea of creating disorder, causing trouble, disturbing peace, or engaging provocatively. The specific meaning can best be determined based on the surrounding context in which it is being used.
Common Misspellings for MESS WITH
- ness with
- kess with
- jess with
- mwss with
- msss with
- mdss with
- mrss with
- m4ss with
- m3ss with
- meas with
- mezs with
- mexs with
- meds with
- mees with
- mews with
- mesa with
- mesz with
- mesx with
- mesd with
- mese with
Etymology of MESS WITH
The etymology of the phrase "mess with" can be traced back to the word "mess", which originally referred to a portion of food, particularly a serving of cooked food. This can be seen in Old French, where "mes" meant portion. Over time, "mess" expanded to refer to a quantity of anything, and eventually became associated with a confused or disorderly accumulation of things. By the late 19th century, "mess" also took on a slang meaning as a troublesome or difficult situation or state of affairs.
The addition of "with" in the phrase "mess with" implies interacting, meddling, or tampering with something or someone in a provocative or challenging manner. This combination likely emerged from the idea of disturbing or unsettling the arrangement or order of elements within a "mess".
Idioms with the word MESS WITH
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mess with sth
The idiom "mess with something" typically means to tamper with or manipulate something, or to interfere with or disrupt something. It often suggests acting in a way that could have negative consequences or provoke trouble.
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mess with sb
To "mess with someone" means to bother, provoke, or intentionally annoy or interfere with them. It can involve teasing, taunting, or causing trouble and is often used to describe unnecessary or malicious behavior towards someone.
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mess with sm or sth
The idiom "mess with someone or something" means to interfere or meddle with someone or something, often with the intention of causing trouble or harm. It can also imply provoking or toying with someone or something in a mischievous or confrontational manner.
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mess with the bull and you get the horns
The idiom "mess with the bull and you get the horns" means that if one chooses to provoke or challenge a powerful or dangerous entity, they will face the negative consequences or backlash that result from their actions. It serves as a warning that one should not engage in risky behavior or provoke a situation that could lead to harm or trouble.
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mess with (one's) head
The idiom "mess with (one's) head" means to confuse or mentally disturb someone. It refers to actions or statements that intentionally disrupt one's thoughts or emotions, causing confusion or making it difficult for them to think clearly.
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mess with someone's head
To "mess with someone's head" means to play mind games or manipulate someone psychologically, causing confusion or emotional distress. It refers to intentionally messing up someone's thoughts, beliefs, or emotions to gain an advantage or exert control over them.
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