monkey around  


Definition: To waste time playing or loafing.
Example: 1) Stop monkeying around -- your term paper is due in two hours!  
Etymology: Monkeys love to play, but they aren't very good at productive labor.

Synonyms: screw around, goof off

Definition: To tinker with something; to try to operate or fix something, but without serious effort or success.
Example: 1) Don't monkey around with the remote control -- you'll probably break it.