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
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Pick at as a verb (transitive, idiomatic):
To touch, grab, handle, or pull tentatively or gingerly, using a utensil or one's fingers.
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Pick at as a verb (transitive, idiomatic):
To pick on or repeatedly criticize (someone).
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Toy with as a verb:
To handle something in a careless or frivolous manner.
Examples:
"You shouldn't toy with someone's feelings."
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Toy with as a verb:
To play, especially with or as with a toy.