[Elamur Dictionary](https://md.dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/) · [this page in HTML](https://dictionary.elamur.ai/free/en/english/mischief/)

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# mischief

noun (mischief — uncountable)

«mischief» in the English dictionary: everyday and in Jewish tradition — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## Everyday

1. Mischief is naughty behaviour that is usually playful and not very harmful, like playing tricks. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mischief/#m1)
2. Mischief can also mean harm or trouble caused on purpose. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mischief/#m2)
3. A wish to tease or play tricks, as in "a look of mischief". [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mischief/#m3)

### In the lessons

In stories, children and animals "get up to mischief"; it tells the reader the character is cheeky and fun but causes trouble. In everyday life parents warn children to keep out of mischief. In the UK "Mischief Night" is a night of pranks in some places. Phrases: "get up to mischief", "keep out of mischief", "make mischief", "full of mischief", "a twinkle of mischief".

### Examples

- The puppy got into mischief and chewed my slippers. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mischief/#x1)
- Grandma gave us jobs to keep us out of mischief. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mischief/#x2)
- His eyes were full of mischief as he hid the teacher's chalk. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mischief/#x3)
- The twins are always up to mischief. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mischief/#x4)
- The goblins made mischief in the village every night. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mischief/#x5)
- She gave me a look of mischief before pouring water on Dad. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mischief/#x6)
- (formal) The rumours were spread to make mischief between the two families. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mischief/#x7)
- His hands are always kept in mischief. [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mischief/#x8)

### Note

Uncountable: you say "some mischief", not "a mischief" or "mischiefs". Spelled "mischief", with -ief. The adjective is "mischievous", pronounced MIS-chi-vus with three syllables; saying "mis-CHEE-vee-us" with an extra syllable is a common mistake.

## In Jewish tradition

The Israelite foremen see that they are in trouble because Pharaoh has made their work harder. In the primary lessons: In stories, children and animals "get up to mischief"; it tells the reader the character is cheeky and fun but causes trouble. In everyday life parents warn children to keep out of mischief. In the UK "Mischief Night" is a night of pranks in some places. Phrases: "get up to mischief", "keep out of mischief", "make mischief", "full of mischief", "a twinkle of mischief".

### Examples

- And the officers of the children of Israel did see that they were set on mischief, when they said: 'Ye shall not diminish aught from your bricks, your daily task.' (Torah EXO.5.19, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/M/mischief/#x1)
- Why dost Thou show me iniquity, and beholdest mischief? (Prophets HAB.1.3, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/M/mischief/#x2)
- For their heart studieth destruction, and their lips talk of mischief. (Writings PRO.24.2, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/M/mischief/#x3)
- They conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity, and their belly prepareth deceit. (Writings JOB.15.35, JPS 1917) [tree →](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/M/mischief/#x4)

### Note

Uncountable: you say "some mischief", not "a mischief" or "mischiefs". Spelled "mischief", with -ief. The adjective is "mischievous", pronounced MIS-chi-vus with three syllables; saying "mis-CHEE-vee-us" with an extra syllable is a common mistake.

## On Mova

- [Trees and pragmatics of «mischief» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/school/M/mischief/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«mischief» in the school dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/school/w/mischief.html) on Mova free.
- [Trees and pragmatics of «mischief» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/corpora/dictionaries/judaism/M/mischief/): every meaning and example parsed by Mova, with its dependency tree and frames.
- [«mischief» in the Judaism dictionary](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/dictionaries/judaism/w/mischief.html) on Mova free.