If you put a piece of bread in the toaster but forget to push down on the lever, the toaster will not start toasting. The lever is designed to engage the heating elements when pushed down, which initiates the toasting process. If the lever is not pushed down, the toaster will not be activated, and the bread will remain untoasted.
In some toasters, you might notice that the heating elements might still be on even if the lever is not pushed down. This is a safety feature in certain toasters, where the heating elements are energized as long as the toaster is plugged in. However, the actual toasting will only occur when the lever is down, and the bread is positioned between the heating elements.
It's essential to be cautious with appliances like toasters to prevent potential hazards like fire or electrical accidents. Always make sure to unplug the toaster when not in use and avoid leaving it unattended. If you forget to push down the lever, simply push it down when you remember and start the toasting process.