twiddle one's thumbs twiddle one's thumbs {v. phr.} To do nothing; be idle. I'd rather work than stand around here twiddling my thumbs. Categories: add yours {v. phr.} Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms by A. Makkai, M.T. Boatner, J.E. Gates © 2024 To section: T Subscribe to: American IdiomsIdioms feedEnglish languageHome page and general feed Comment on this entry