English Reference
Idiom idiom

boys and their toys


Used to evoke the idea that adult men sometimes dote excessively on machines, automobiles, and gadgets in a childish manner.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

He bought another expensive drone, just boys and their toys.

CONTEXTUAL

My husband spent all weekend fixing his vintage motorcycle, which is just boys and their toys.

COMPLEX

Observing the men gathered around the new sports car, she sighed at the familiar sight of boys and their toys.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    big boy

    A large object or person.

  2. 02

    big boys

    The people or bodies with the most influence and/or power.

  3. 03

    blue-eyed boy

    The favorite, especially a young one, especially of someone in power; a fair-haired boy (US), (Australian).

  4. 04

    boy howdy

    Expresses strong support or agreement.

  5. 05

    boy in the boat

    The human clitoris.

  6. 06

    boy toy

    A gigolo or younger man who is sexually pursued by an older person.

  7. 07

    boys and girls

    Used to address an audience of children, or (jocularly) of adults.

  8. 08

    fair-haired boy

    Someone's favorite, especially a young one; a blue-eyed boy (British), (Australian)

Last updated August 10, 2026