toy with

• Verbe à particule utilisé pour désigner le fait de jouer avec une idée sans intention sérieuse, de la considérer de manière légère, ou de manipuler quelque chose d'une manière nonchalante ou distraite.

A phrasal verb used to indicate considering or playing with an idea, or handling something idly or without serious intent.

indénombrable · intransitif · phrasal, inséparable

1. Consider casuallyinformal

   To think about an idea or possibility in a casual or not serious way.

   envisager à la légère

   • He toyed with the idea of moving to another country.
   • She toyed with the thought of quitting her job.
   • I've been toying with the concept of starting a blog.

   Synonymesentertainflirt with

2. Handle absentmindedlyinformal

   To handle or play with something in a distracted or nervous manner.

   Tripoter distraitement

   • She toyed with her necklace while listening to the lecture.
   • He toyed with his pen during the meeting.
   • The child toyed with the toy car, not really playing with it.

   Synonymesfiddle withfingerhandletwiddle

   Antonymesignoreneglect

3. Manipulate or deceiveinformal

   To treat someone or something in a manipulative or insincere way, often for amusement.

   se jouer de quelqu'un, manipuler

   • He was just toying with her emotions.
   • The politician toyed with the public's trust.
   • Don't toy with me; I need a straight answer.

   Synonymesdeceivelead onmanipulatestring along

Verbe de basetoy