Toy with Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈtɔɪ/ /ˈwɪð/, /ˈwɪθ/, /wɪð/, /wɪθ

TOY with or TOY widh

UK

tˈɔɪ/ /wˈɪð

TOY with

Definition

To consider something casually without being serious or to treat someone or something as if it is a game, especially with ideas, feelings, or possibilities.

Usage & Nuances

'Toy with' is informal. Commonly used for ideas ('toy with the idea'), emotions ('toy with someone's feelings'), or options. Implying a lack of commitment or taking something lightly. Often used negatively if referring to people.

• Spanish: jugar con - coquetear con (ideas, emociones)
• Portuguese (BR): brincar com - flertar com (ideias, emoções)
• Portuguese (PT): brincar com - flertar com (ideias, emoções)
• Chinese (Simplified): 玩弄 - 考虑（某事而未采取行动）
• Chinese (Traditional): 玩弄 - 考慮（某事而未採取行動）
• Hindi: के साथ खेलना - विचार करना (गंभीरता से न लेना)
• Arabic: يعبث بـ - يفكر في (بدون جدية)
• Bengali: হালকা ভাবে চিন্তা করা - খেলোভাবে ব্যবহার করা
• Russian: играть с (идеями, чувствами) - несерьёзно относиться
• Japanese: もてあそぶ - 軽く考える
• Vietnamese: nghĩ chơi - đùa giỡn với
• Korean: 장난삼아 다루다 - 흘려듣다
• Turkish: hafife almak - oyun etmek
• Urdu: کھیلنا (خیالات یا جذبات سے)
• Indonesian: memikirkan secara main-main - mempermainkan

Example Sentences

She likes to toy with new ideas.

basic

Don't toy with my feelings.

basic

He toyed with the idea of moving abroad.

basic

Sometimes I toy with skipping work and just traveling the world.

natural

She was just toying with him; she didn't really want to date.

natural

He toyed with his food while thinking about the problem.

natural