on the fiddle
1 of 1phrase/ɑn ðə ˈfɪdəl/
1
used to refer to a person, organization, etc. that uses dishonest or illegal methods to gain money
The origin of the idiom "on the fiddle" is believed to have originated in the mid-19th century in British English. It likely draws from the association of the violin (also called a fiddle) with trickery or manipulation, as well as the notion of playing a fraudulent tune. It is commonly used to discuss individuals who exploit loopholes, engage in tax evasion, commit fraud, or manipulate systems for personal gain.
- He is suspected of being on the fiddle, manipulating the accounts for personal gain.
- The company's owner was caught on the fiddle and faced legal consequences.
- The forensic accountant meticulously uncovered the complex scheme the executive had been running on the fiddle.
- The auditors discovered that the company had been engaging on the fiddle for years, manipulating their financial records.
- The authorities suspected that the corrupt politician was on the fiddle, diverting public funds for personal gain.