ˈtɪkl ˈsʌmwʌnz ˈfænsi
Emotions
informal
intermediate
- Literally:
- Physically tickling someone's imagination
What does "tickle someone's fancy" mean?
- To appeal to someone's interest
- To attract or please someone
Examples
- Does this car tickle your fancy?
- Nothing on the menu tickled my fancy.
- If that job doesn't tickle your fancy, try another.
Origin
From 'fancy' meaning imagination or liking. 'Tickle' means to stimulate pleasantly. Used since the 17th century.
How to use it
Slightly old-fashioned but still used. Pleasant way to ask about preferences.
Similar expressions
appeal to
interest
attract
please
catch one's eye
Opposites
bore
repel
turn off
Related idioms
- hang in there
To persevere during difficult times
- lose your temper
To become suddenly angry
- get cold feet
To become nervous or afraid before doing something important
- on top of the world
Feeling extremely happy and successful
- rain on someone's parade
To spoil someone's plans or enthusiasm
- blow off steam
To release pent-up energy or emotion through activity
Use it in a practice answer
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