to think about something lightly, or to treat someone or something without serious intent
play around with an idea or someone's feelings without being serious
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
to consider an idea or possibility without deciding seriously
"We're toying with the idea of moving abroad for a year."
I have toyed with the idea of writing a children's book.
— Madonna, interview remarks
to treat someone's feelings carelessly or manipulatively
"He was accused of toying with her emotions."
to move or handle something absent-mindedly with your fingers
"She sat quietly, toying with her necklace."
to play with something as if it were a toy
play around with an idea or someone's feelings without being serious
Common with ideas, possibilities, and feelings. Can have a negative tone when talking about people or emotions.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "toy with" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.