busy
Having a lot to do
Doing many things or having a lot of work.
[someone] is busy [doing something]
- She’s been very busy preparing for the wedding.
- I can’t talk right now—I’m busy cooking dinner.
- He’s always busy with work and rarely takes a break.
- The shop was busy all afternoon.
- They are busy planning their holiday.
- I am busy with my homework.
- She is busy cooking dinner.
- He is busy reading a book.
- We are busy cleaning the house.
Full of activity or people
A place with many people or things happening.
a busy [street/area/store]
- The train station is always busy in the morning.
- It’s a busy street, so be careful crossing.
- The market was busy with tourists and locals.
- We avoided the busy roads by taking back streets.
- The shop is busy today.
- The street is busy with cars.
- The airport is busy this morning.
Not free to do other things
Doing something so you cannot do other things right now.
[someone] is busy [with something]
- I’m busy right now; can I call you back?
- He said he was too busy to join us for lunch.
- She’s busy with a project and can’t meet today.
- I am busy right now.
- She is too busy to talk.
- He is busy with his work.
Having too many visual elements
Having too many shapes, colors, or lines so it looks messy.
a busy [design/pattern/image]
- The wallpaper is too busy for such a small room.
- I find that shirt’s pattern a bit busy.
- The website design was too busy and hard to navigate.
- The picture is too busy.
- Her dress has a busy pattern.
- The page looks busy with many colors.
- Base: busy
- Comparative: busier
- Superlative: busiest
busybodies
1People who pry into others’ affairs
People who try to know about or involve themselves in other people's private lives.
- The neighbors are such busybodies—they always know what’s going on.
- I try to avoid the office busybodies.
keep busy
1Stay occupied with tasks or activities
To do things so you are not bored or idle.
- I like to keep busy during the holidays by gardening.
- He keeps busy with volunteer work after retirement.
busy as a bee
1very busy and hard‑working
Very busy and working hard, with many things to do.
- She's been busy as a bee getting everything ready for the party.
- He was as busy as a bee all weekend, cleaning the house and doing repairs.
- The office is busy as a bee today with everyone rushing to meet the deadline.
busy as a bee
2Very active and hardworking
Working hard and moving around a lot, like a bee.
- She’s been busy as a bee all morning, cleaning the house.
- He’s always busy as a bee when there’s a deadline coming up.
Mind your own business
2stay out of others' affairs
Do not ask about or try to be part of something that is private to someone else.
- He told her to mind her own business when she asked about his salary.
- I wish she would mind her own business instead of gossiping.
- Mind your own business and stop asking questions about my relationship.
- Mind your own business and stop asking questions about my life.
Mind your own business
3stop interfering in others' affairs
Used to tell someone to stop asking about things that are private or not their problem.
- She told him to mind his own business when he asked about her salary.
- Mind your own business and focus on your work.