The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 8 letter word WINDMILL
I've seen this crossword clue in The Guardian
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More clues leading to the result WINDMILL
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "toy" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case toy = windmill.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does WINDMILL mean?
WINDMILL noun- A machine which translates linear motion of wind to rotational motion by means of adjustable vanes called sails.
- The structure containing such machinery.
- A child's toy consisting of vanes mounted on a stick that rotate when blown by a person or by the wind.
- A dunk where the dunker swings his arm in a circular motion before throwing the ball through the hoop.
- A guitar move where the strumming hand mimics a turning windmill.
- A breakdancing move in which the dancer rolls his/her torso continuously in a circular path on the floor, across the upper chest, shoulders and back, while twirling the legs in a V shape in the air.
- Any of various large papilionid butterflies of the genus Byasa, the wings of which resemble the vanes of a windmill.
- The false shower.
- An imaginary enemy, but presented as real.
- To rotate with a sweeping motion.
- Of a rotating part of a machine, to (become disengaged and) rotate freely.