The difference between Pick at and Toy with

When used as verbs, pick at means to touch, grab, handle, or pull tentatively or gingerly, using a utensil or one's fingers, whereas toy with means to handle something in a careless or frivolous manner.


check bellow for the other definitions of Pick at and Toy with

  1. Pick at as a verb (transitive, idiomatic):

    To touch, grab, handle, or pull tentatively or gingerly, using a utensil or one's fingers.

  2. Pick at as a verb (transitive, idiomatic):

    To pick on or repeatedly criticize (someone).

  1. Toy with as a verb:

    To handle something in a careless or frivolous manner.

    Examples:

    "You shouldn't toy with someone's feelings."

  2. Toy with as a verb:

    To play, especially with or as with a toy.

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