mess around with

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“We have an ironclad rule at IMAX, which is that our word is our word and we won’t mess around with that,” the CEO said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

“I do feel like I can still contribute,” Phillips said, “but I think what it comes down to is we don’t want to mess around with something in early May.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 7, 2025

The part they don’t mess around with is an assurance that Gibson hasn’t been paid for her story.

From Salon • Feb. 7, 2025

“Whether you agree with it or not,” he said, “I’m just gonna keep doing it because it works for me. It’s what’s kept me healthy, and I don’t ever want to mess around with that.”

From Seattle Times • Mar. 24, 2024

Mom was in the same boat, although she was too busy with me and being the commander of the entire Academy to mess around with recreational simulations.

From "Glitch" by Laura Martin