Looking for a phrasal verb or idiom,...

[Mehrgan]

Hi all,

Hope I can find the right expression here. Imagine you're discussing something important you don't want kids to hear or notice, so you would ask someone to take them away and play and talk to them so that they wouldn't notice you, being distracted perhaps. Is there an expression commonly used in such situations? (Either in general, or the direct expression we'd say to the person we want to do the job for us.)



Many thanks in advance.

 

[Mehrgan]

I suppose we could use 'entertain' in this case. But, I was wondering if there's anything specifically used in such situations. Cheers!

 

[Mehrgan]

"to keep them occupied"?! Isn't this formal?

 

[Tdol]

"to keep them occupied"?! Isn't this formal?

Not particularly. You could use look after/watch/mind the kids.

 

[Mehrgan]

Thanks dear Tdol.
Verbs such as 'look after' and 'watch' could be used in other situations as well. Then should I conclude there is no specific verb suggesting both 'looking after' and 'distracting'?



Best

 

[charliedeut]

Thanks dear Tdol.
Verbs such as 'look after' and 'watch' could be used in other situations as well. Then should I conclude there is no specific verb suggesting both 'looking after' and 'distracting'?

Hi,

According to mind - WordReference.com Dictionary of English (verb 3 & 4), "mind" would fit your requirements, IMO.

Greetings,

charliedeut

 

[5jj]

Verbs such as 'look after' and 'watch' could be used in other situations as well. Then should I conclude there is no specific verb suggesting both 'looking after' and 'distracting'?

I can't think of one - though that doesn't mean there isn't one. 'Amuse' comes close.

 

[charliedeut]

I can't think of on - though that doesn't mean there isn't one. 'Amuse' comes close.

Not to mention tw :lol:! (Just kidding, of course, so don't take it to heart)

 

[Mehrgan]

Thanks to you all, now I've got my answer. The reason why sometimes I keep repeating my question is I have this freak hunch that, 'hey there's got to be a phrasal verb or something there meaning what I'm looking for! I'm sure there is...because we have it in OUR language!...'. :-D Which is the thing you're all well aware of, and we should be thankful that you're so patient with our boring questions! So, many thanks!

 

[Mehrgan]

And here's the link the friend who'd asked me about this expression has just sent to me:


PhraseMix | keep (someone) occupied

Is it an American expression, and commonly used in everyday speech?
Ta!

 

[5jj]

PhraseMix | keep (someone) occupied

Is it an American expression, and commonly used in everyday speech?

It's common enough in BrE, as is 'keep someone busy'.