1
general::
Phrase(s): toy with something
to play with something; to fiddle with something. • You are just toying with me! • Please don’t toy with the stereo controls., Phrase(s): toy with someone
to tease someone; to deal lightly with someone’s emotions. • Ann broke up with Tom because he was just toying with her. He was not serious at all. • Don’t toy with me! I won’t have it!
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs
2
general::
1. Amuse oneself idly with, trifle, as in He teased her, toying with her as a cat toys with a mouse. [Early 1500s] 2. Treat casually or without seriousness, as in I'm toying with the idea of writing a novel. [Early 1800s]
American Heritage Idioms