toy with

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The phrase "toy with" is a verb that means to think about something in a light or playful way, often without serious intention or commitment. It can also mean to play around with an idea or a possibility, usually without making any firm decisions.

Usage Instructions:

• "Toy with" is often used when someone is considering an idea or plan but is not fully committed to it.
• It can also imply that someone is being playful or not serious about a subject.

Examples:

1. Basic Example: "She toyed with the idea of going to college in another country."

   • This means she thought about it but hasn’t made a firm decision.

2. Advanced Example: "He toyed with the notion of quitting his job to travel the world, but he wasn't sure if it was the right choice."

   • Here, it implies he is considering a significant change but is uncertain.

Word Variants:

• Toy (noun): A plaything for children.
• Toying (present participle): The action of playing or thinking lightly about something.

Different Meanings:

1. Literal Meaning: As a noun, "toy" refers to objects designed for play, like dolls or action figures.
2. Figurative Meaning: "Toy with" can also imply someone is not serious about someone else's feelings, such as "He toyed with her emotions."

Synonyms:

• Consider
• Contemplate
• Ponder
• Deliberate (though "deliberate" is more serious)
• Play with (in a figurative sense)

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Play with: Similar to "toy with," it can mean to consider something lightly or to not take it seriously.
• Joke around: To have fun and not be serious; can also imply a light-hearted approach to discussions.

Conclusion:

"Toy with" is a versatile phrase that captures the idea of thinking about something casually or playfully. It is often used in contexts where someone is exploring options without a firm commitment.

Academic

Verb

1. take into consideration, have in view
   • He entertained the notion of moving to South America

Synonyms

• entertain
• think of
• flirt with
• think about