1.
tossing about, being at the mercy of
Being thrown around or controlled by external forces such as fate, circumstances, or waves. Often used passively to describe being helplessly manipulated or controlled.
運命に翻弄される。
To be at the mercy of fate.
波に翻弄される小舟。
A small boat tossed about by the waves.
時代の変化に翻弄されながらも、自分の信念を貫いた。
Despite being tossed about by the changes of the times, they held to their convictions.
2.
toying with, manipulating
Actively playing with or manipulating someone or something, treating them as a plaything.
相手を翻弄する。
To toy with one's opponent.
彼はスピードで守備を翻弄した。
He used his speed to toy with the defense.
詐欺師に翻弄されて大金を失った。
They were manipulated by a con artist and lost a lot of money.
翻弄 describes being tossed around or manipulated, often by forces beyond one's control.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 運命に翻弄される (be at the mercy of fate)
- 時代に翻弄される (be swept up in the times)
- 感情に翻弄される (be ruled by emotions)
- 相手を翻弄する (toy with an opponent)
USAGE NOTE: Often used in the passive form される to emphasize helplessness.