A collection of clockwork toys, including a vintage looking Japanese robot, a monkey with cymbals and a shark
Today's Phrase
To toy with somebody (or something) means to not take them or their feelings seriously.
Examples:
Peter has been going out with Mary for five years and he never talks about marriage. He is just toying with her feelings.
I have been working hard to get that promotion but it never comes. My boss is toying with my expectations.
Take note
A 'toyboy' is the younger boyfriend of an older person.
Example:
Janet got divorced after 40 years of marriage and is enjoying her life with a toyboy on her arm.
Interesting fact
Factory-made toys, including tin toys and clockwork toys, went on sale in Britain in the 19th century. Other popular toys were alphabet bricks, sailing boats, jigsaw puzzles and Noah's Arks. In many homes, children were not allowed toys on Sundays - except Noah's Ark, because that was in the bible.