Keep yourself busy

phrase

To spend one's time doing something to prevent feeling bored or idle.

She found several ways to keep herself busy during the lockdown.
Visual representation of "keep yourself busy" - To spend one's time doing something to prevent feeling bored or idle.

Often appears as...

  • keep yourself busy with work
  • keep yourself busy during quarantine
phrase

To engage oneself in a process, task or activity in order to avoid thinking about something distressing or worrying.

Kevin tries to keep himself busy so he doesn't dwell on his problems.
Visual representation of "keep yourself busy" - To engage oneself in a process, task or activity in order to avoid thinking about something distressing or worrying.

Often appears as...

  • keep yourself busy with studies
  • keep yourself busy to avoid thinking
phrase

To spend one's time doing something to prevent feeling bored or idle.

She found several ways to keep herself busy during the lockdown.
Visual representation of "keep yourself busy" - To spend one's time doing something to prevent feeling bored or idle.

Often appears as...

  • keep yourself busy with work
  • keep yourself busy during quarantine
phrase

To engage oneself in a process, task or activity in order to avoid thinking about something distressing or worrying.

Kevin tries to keep himself busy so he doesn't dwell on his problems.
Visual representation of "keep yourself busy" - To engage oneself in a process, task or activity in order to avoid thinking about something distressing or worrying.

Often appears as...

  • keep yourself busy with studies
  • keep yourself busy to avoid thinking
Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "keep yourself busy"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Active Avoidance

Used when being active to avoid boredom, not just passively waiting.

Illustration for Active Avoidance
During the flight delay, I kept myself busy by reading a novel.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Positive Tone

Commonly carries a positive connotation, suggesting productive use of time.

Illustration for Positive Tone
On weekends, I keep myself busy with gardening and baking.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Time Filling

Implies filling time that could otherwise be idle or wasted.

Illustration for Time Filling
She keeps herself busy with puzzles to fill her evenings.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Active Avoidance

Used when being active to avoid boredom, not just passively waiting.

Illustration for Active Avoidance
During the flight delay, I kept myself busy by reading a novel.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Positive Tone

Commonly carries a positive connotation, suggesting productive use of time.

Illustration for Positive Tone
On weekends, I keep myself busy with gardening and baking.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Time Filling

Implies filling time that could otherwise be idle or wasted.

Illustration for Time Filling
She keeps herself busy with puzzles to fill her evenings.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Active Avoidance

Used when being active to avoid boredom, not just passively waiting.

Illustration for Active Avoidance
During the flight delay, I kept myself busy by reading a novel.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Positive Tone

Commonly carries a positive connotation, suggesting productive use of time.

Illustration for Positive Tone
On weekends, I keep myself busy with gardening and baking.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Time Filling

Implies filling time that could otherwise be idle or wasted.

Illustration for Time Filling
She keeps herself busy with puzzles to fill her evenings.
Visual representation of the word "Keep yourself busy"

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