engaged

engage (one) in (something)

1. To do some task or activity. In this usage, "engage in" is usually a set phrase. Dad is engaged in fixing the car, so he can't talk right now.
2. To include or involve one in something. Phil is always making snide comments, but I refuse to let him engage me in an argument.
3. To occupy one with a task or activity. See if you can engage the kids in a game this afternoon so that I can get some work done.
See also: engage

engage (someone) to (someone)

To betroth oneself or someone to someone else; to enter two people into an engagement to be married. I refuse to let my family engage me to a man I've never met before.
See also: engage

engage in small talk

To chat with someone, usually a stranger or acquaintance, about benign topics (such as the weather or one's employment). Because Tom and Joe had never met before, they engaged in small talk by the appetizers. If you think that girl's pretty, go over and engage in small talk with her.
See also: engage, small, talk

engaged to (one)

Betrothed to one; engaged to be married to one. You know Kelly's engaged to Cristina, so stop flirting with her! Alicia sported a gorgeous diamond ring after getting engaged to Ed.
See also: engaged
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

engage in small talk

to talk only about minor matters rather than important matters or personal matters. All the people at the party were engaging in small talk. They chatted about the weather and otherwise engaged in small talk.
See also: engage, small, talk
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • and the rest
  • be a sport
  • angry young man
  • bring (something) with
  • bring with
  • (that's) enough (of this) foolishness
  • benz
  • bear false witness
  • fill in
  • fill out
References in periodicals archive
That you, on 16 December 2013, at Affin Bank Berhad, Bangunan Getah Asli Branch, Tingkat Bawah, 148, Jalan Ampang, in the Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur, did engage in money laundering, in that you engaged directly in a transaction that involves proceeds of unlawful activity, to wit, by causing to be deposited proceeds of unlawful activity amounting to RM100,000.00 into Affin Bank Berhad account number: 1 58 belonging to you, thereby you have committed an offence under Section 4(1)(a) of the Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Terrorism Financing Act 2001 (Act 613), punishable under Section 4(1) of the same Act.
The court was informed that the EOBI had engaged different private counsel in 87 cases in violation of rules.
Talal Chaudhry appearing before the court submitted that he had engaged Asma Jehangir for pleading his case but she has passed away hence more time is required to engage a new counsel .
A new study by management consultancy firm Gallup has revealed that only 16 per cent of employees in the UAE feel engaged in their jobs, and that improvements in this metric would help the country achieve its happiness and positivity targets.
The session explored how to keep employees engaged, ensure they develop their full potential, and stay committed to their role so they contribute very best to the success of a hotel.
workforce (51%) is not engaged, according to Gallup's State of the American Workplace report.
The first stage of engaging foreign consultants was initiated two years ago, which Macedonian companies used as advisory bodies, and so far 50 foreign consultants have been engaged.
(OTCQB: ENGA) is a mobile technology, marketing and data company that help businesses acquire new customers and keep existing customers engaged. The Mobile Engagement System is a proprietary technology that delivers a value-added service to the consumer and corporate customers.
The Hay Group, for instance, has found that only two-thirds of employees worldwide are engaged and that these numbers have been falling since 2007.
Slovenia enterprises engaged in manufacturing with the highest share of net revenues from sales on the foreign market The export orientation indicator compares net revenues from sales on the foreign market with net sales revenues.
Gallup classified the 82,000 employed participants as "actively disengaged" with work, "not engaged by work" or "engaged" with work by looking at how the participants responded to questions about how satisfied they are with their jobs, how much effort they put in, and what they think about their employers.
Synopsis: American workers who are engaged in their work and workplace eat healthier, exercise more frequently, and consume more fruits or vegetables.
We wanted to learn more about how they're spending their money, which brands they choose, why they make the choices they do, and how engaged they are with the brands they're using or considering.