engaging

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
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
If a restaurant's employees aren't delivering a positive, memorable, and engaging dining experience, customers will leave without the boost to their wellbeing that could encourage them to return soon, and more often.
Luring Restaurant Customers Back; For many people, dining out hasn't been on the menu since the recession. But there are ways to whet customers' appetites
Ultimately, Engaging India makes clear that India wants to be engaged, but on its own terms, and those do not include compromising its nuclear program.
Currying favor: forget about Iran--Strobe Talbott says we couldn't even keep our ally India from getting the bomb
The following entities are prohibited from engaging in the unlicensed practice of law:
UPL actions
Further, I described some of the motivations that Christians might have for engaging in such a collaborative program.
The state of the international religion-science discussion today: "science and the spiritual quest": a model for the renewal of the religion-science discourse
If there is any concern that the student has infections or is engaging in self-injury of a severe and chronic nature (e.g., infections secondary to recurrent cutting, etc.) that could cause severe medical complications, the student should be referred to a physician for an assessment.
Adolescents who self-injure: implications and strategies for school counselors
Further building on the power of entertainment in engaging users, the Enhanced CD features an "Army Music Video Creator" that enables individuals to create their own music videos to accompany the audio tracks.
U.S. Army enlists Disc Marketing Enhanced CDs as recruitment tool
Engaging others can be as simple as saying hello, smiling as you make eye contact, or simply giving someone a warm pat on the shoulder as you pass by.
Making connections: Silverado builds relationships with residents, relatives and staff
Engaging a religiously charged, post-secular world," three scenes from my past in Guyana come to mind.
Where is God? Engaging a religiously charged, post-secular world
A larger reason for Marvel's success may be that mainstream American society is more fully engaging the themes that have made Marvel Comics unique since the early '60s, when most of its signature characters first appeared.
Make Mine mutants! Marvel comics and plenitude in contemporary America. (Culture and Reviews)
My intention in this essay is to make some pragmatic suggestions for engaging in feminist biblical interpretation that does not perpetuate, reinforce, or create anti-Jewish theological constructions.
The problem of anti-Judaism in Christian feminist biblical interpretation: some pragmatic suggestions
Despite these alarming facts, Midwestern youths are not engaging in appropriate precautionary behavior (Robinson, Rademaker, Sylvester, & Cook, 1997).
Communicating risk without creating unintended effects
Simard emphasizes that it's not just the nursing and activities staff who play a key role in engaging residents, but all staff.
Alzheimer's care: Accentuating the positive. (Feature Article)
Supreme Court has agreed to decide whether an Ohio town can require door-to-door solicitors, including religious groups, to identify themselves to authorities before engaging in outreach efforts.
Supreme court to hear Jehovah's witness evangelism case. (In The Capital)
While the GLB Act and its legislative history do not contain any direct evidence of congressional intent with respect to real estate brokerage and management activities, the statute's prohibition on financial subsidiaries engaging in real estate investment and development is indirect evidence of legislative intent.
Testimony of Federal Reserve Officials
One of the distinguishing characteristics of a profession is that it is permitted to govern itself when it comes to such issues as controlling entry into the profession, establishing codes of conduct and engaging in peer review and discipline.
Independence and public perception: Why we need to care