What does it mean to toil?

To toil means to engage in laborious work that is often strenuous and demanding. This term is frequently associated with effort that may not yield immediate rewards or can be physically taxing. The choice indicating that to toil is "to work long and hard, often with difficulty" captures this essence perfectly, reflecting the notion of perseverance and effort over an extended period, often under challenging circumstances.

The other choices present contrasting concepts. Playing or amusing oneself suggests leisure and enjoyment rather than hard work, while relaxing and enjoying leisure directly opposes the idea of toil. On the other hand, avoiding responsibility implies a lack of engagement or effort, which is the antithesis of toiling. The selected answer appropriately encapsulates the core meaning of toil as hard, often arduous work.