Akademik

toy with

verb

take into consideration, have in view (Freq. 1)

- He entertained the notion of moving to South America

• Hypernyms: ↑contemplate

• Verb Frames:

- Somebody ——s something

- Somebody ——s VERB-ing

* * *

1) consider (an idea, movement, or proposal) casually or indecisively

■ treat (someone) without due seriousness, esp. in a superficially amorous way

2) move or handle (an object) absentmindedly or nervously

■ eat or drink in an unenthusiastic or restrained way

* * *

toy with [phrasal verb]

1 toy with (something)

1 a : to think about (something) briefly and not very seriously

I toyed with the idea of moving to France but ended up staying here.

1 b : to move or touch (something) with your fingers often without thinking

She toyed [=played] with her hair while she talked on the phone.

2 toy with (someone or something) : to deal with or control (someone or something) in a clever and usually unfair or selfish way

Don't toy with my emotions.

Do you really love me, or are you just toying with me?

• • •

Main Entry: ↑toy

Useful english dictionary. 2012.