O que quer dizer a expressão “estava à toa na vida"?

Ishmael wants to go on vacation with his friend's family. what's the best way he can persuade his parents to say yes? a he can tell them that he will be sad and stay in bed if he can't go. b he can explain that the vacation will be educational and safe. c he can say that he'll hate his parents if they don't let him go. d he can ask them for the money that he needs for the trip.