toy

An object that children use to play with.

• This toy is for the baby.
• Please put your toys in the box.
• We bought a wooden toy car.

Similar words: plaything

Common phrases: toy shop, toy car, soft toy

Something considered to have little value or importance.

• He dismissed the medal as a toy.
• To the wealthy collector, these rings were mere toys.
• She valued his letter more than all those expensive toys.

Similar words: trifle, trinket

Common phrases: mere toy, worthless toy

If you do this with an idea, you consider it without deciding seriously to act on it.

• I toyed with the idea of leaving.
• They are toying with opening a café.
• Have you ever toyed with the idea of changing careers?

How to use it: toy with the idea of doing something (We toyed with the idea of buying a boat.); toy with doing something (She is toying with moving abroad.)

Similar words: consider, entertain

Common phrases: toy with ideas, toy with something

If you do this with something, you handle or move it without any real purpose.

• He toyed with his food.
• She was toying with a pen during the meeting.
• Stop toying with that ring and listen.

How to use it: toy with something (She toyed with her necklace while waiting.)

Similar words: fiddle, play

Common phrases: toy with something, toy with food