toy with

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]

Example Sentences

Had Farrow and LuPone toyed with the idea of working together before “The Roommate”?

From Los Angeles Times

Magic can be toyed with, magic can be warped for darker pursuits.

From Salon

Tampa resident Chynna Perkins, for example, toyed with the idea of leaving her home alongside her husband and two large dogs, but ultimately decided to stay and trust in her newer construction home.

From BBC

Left-armer Leach toyed with his angles to come round the wicket to left-hander Masood and was rewarded with a return catch.

From BBC

Fury, 36, has toyed with retiring but but come back to the ring, Wilder is 38 and on a two-fight losing streak, while Joshua is 34 and facing another comeback.

From BBC