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to tickle one's fancy
01
to appeal to someone's particular interests or preferences
What is the origin of the idiom "tickle one's fancy" and when to use it?
The idiom "tickle one's fancy" originates from the idea of giving pleasure or amusement. The term "tickle" in this context means to delight or amuse, while "fancy" refers to a person's liking or taste. The phrase suggests the notion of lightly and playfully stimulating someone's interest or enjoyment, much like how physical tickling causes laughter or a pleasant reaction. It is used to describe something that appeals to someone's tastes or interests, often in a whimsical way.
Example
The quirky sense of humor in the movie tickled his fancy, and he couldn't stop laughing.
The idea of traveling to exotic locations really tickles her fancy.
The prospect of trying out new recipes in the kitchen always tickles her fancy.
He's a history buff, so the museum's collection of artifacts really tickled his fancy.
The idea of learning a new language has always tickled her fancy.