dabble

dabble at (something)

To do something without much effort or enthusiasm. I know you're just dabbling at cleaning your room because every pile of clothes is still on the floor. We didn't get much done because we just dabbled at the project all afternoon.
See also: dabble

dabble in (something)

To do something sporadically or as a hobby. Oh, I only dabbled in painting when I was younger—it's not like I went to art school or anything.
See also: dabble
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

dabble at something

to play at doing something; to do something halfheartedly. Don't just dabble at your history paper. Settle down and do it right. She dabbles at painting.
See also: dabble

dabble in something

to be involved in something in a casual manner. She dabbled in local politics for a while. I want to dabble in something new for a while.
See also: dabble
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

dabble in

v.
To do some activity occasionally, superficially, or without ambition: I've dabbled in painting, but I'm not very good.
See also: dabble
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • dabble at
  • dabble at (something)
  • pile into
  • pile into (something)
  • before long
  • heap (someone or something) with (something)
  • heap with
  • private
  • enterprise
  • free enterprise
References in periodicals archive
Dabble Extracts specialises in processing medical and recreational marijuana into premium-grade extracts.
Medicine Man Technologies to Acquire Cannabis Extract Company Dabble Extracts
Dabble's reputation as a premier producer adds further value to Medicine Man's portfolio as well, the cannabis company said.
Medicine Man Enters Binding Agreement To Buy Colorado Extract Brand Dabble
CARL HODGSON They are probably given as much time to dabble, but far less instruction on how to use materials available.
ON THE GRAPEVINE
To qualify for the upgrade, Dabble DB developers simply have to send an e-mail to Marketing@AlphaSoftware.com with the words: "I'm a Dabble DB developer who needs a new home for my database" in the subject line.
ALPHA FIVE THROWS DABBLE DB DEVELOPERS A LIFELINE
For CPAs who dabble in technology consulting, the e-business page of IBM's Web site focuses on software implementation strategies.
Smart stops on the Web
Wasser connected with a trainer who dared to dabble in doo-doo.
For scientists, a canine poop patrol
Recker is just beginning to "dabble" with selling commodities and buying inputs over the Internet.
PLOWING THE SOUL OF A NEW GENERATION
Sheila said: "Last year trade got a bit quiet with ice cream in the winter, so we thought we would try and do something a little bit different and had a little dabble with flavours.
Pudding fans get their just desserts
The Rev Ron Lycett claims trick-or-treat night has a sinister side and can tempt children to dabble with the occult.
Warning over hidden terror of Hallowe'en
Instead, Barksdale plans to serve on various boards, including AOL's, and dabble in investments.
Barksdale Says He Won't Take Another Management Job
Unlike Dr Milson I am really unemployed with two young children and wonder whether I am alone among the more than one million unemployed who view his 'dabble' into unemployment as definitely not being enlightening or rewarding on any level.
Early retirement is not an option
Summary: They starred on EastEnders and also had a dabble with Hollywood.
Michelle Ryan and Sean Maguire unveil Mr Eleven
South Park - The Complete Seventh Season (Cert 18, 328 mins, Paramount Home Entertainment, DVD pounds 24.99, Comedy) Best friends Cartman, pictured, Kyle, Stan and Kenny dabble with metrosexuality and even form a Christian rock group in 15 episodes of Trey Parker and Matt Stone's award-winning animated series.
Also Released
To anyone who might want to dabble I recommend the following.
Letter: Cheap computing
Amy Ciupak Lalonde dons sexy black lingerie for a bit of a dabble in demon-rousing
Teenage Catholic girls in trouble; CULTURE DVD REVIEWS