The phrase "keep someone busy" is often used to describe keeping someone occupied or engaged. The spelling of this phrase can be broken down using International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription: /kip/ /sʌmwʌn/ /ˈbɪzi/. The first sound, /k/, is voiced and followed by a long /i/ sound. The second word, someone, is pronounced with a short /ʌ/ sound and a long /w/ sound followed by a short /ʌ/ sound. The final word, "busy", is pronounced with a voiced /b/ sound, a short /ɪ/ sound and a long /z/ sound, followed by a short /i/ sound.
The phrase "keep someone busy" is a colloquial expression used to describe the act of occupying or engaging an individual with tasks, activities, or responsibilities so as to prevent idleness or boredom. It is often employed to describe actions taken to ensure someone has a constant stream of things to do, leaving them with little or no free time.
To keep someone busy is to provide them with ongoing obligations, assignments, or chores, effectively filling their schedule and keeping them occupied. This can be done for various reasons, such as maintaining productivity in the workplace or avoiding distractions in everyday life.
In the context of employment, keeping someone busy could involve assigning them a full workload, providing them with multiple projects or assignments, or giving them regular responsibilities that require continuous attention. It can be a managerial tactic used to ensure that employees remain focused and productive throughout their working hours.
On a personal level, keeping someone busy might involve scheduling them with various activities, events, or errands to prevent them from becoming bored or engaging in unproductive or potentially harmful behaviors. This could include hobbies, sports, household chores, or even social engagements.
Ultimately, the phrase "keep someone busy" implies a deliberate effort to occupy an individual's time and attention with meaningful or purposeful activities, either in a professional or personal setting, to maintain a sense of engagement and avoid lulls or periods of inactivity.