amuse

amuse (someone or something) with

To entertain or distract with something. Try to amuse the dog with his ball—anything to get him to stop barking! Whenever we go to a restaurant, I bring along a few toys to amuse our young daughter with.
See also: amuse

keep (one) amused

To entertain or distract one in some manner. Whenever we go to a restaurant, I bring along a few toys to keep our daughters amused. The waiters here keep the diners amused with jokes and even little magic tricks while they eat.
See also: amuse, keep
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

amuse someone with something

to entertain or interest someone with something. Try to amuse the child with this little toy. She was able to amuse herself with the puzzle for a while.
See also: amuse
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

keep somebody aˈmused

give somebody interesting things to do, or entertain them so that they do not become bored: Playing with water can keep children amused for hours.
See also: amuse, keep, somebody
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • amuse (someone or something) with
  • amuse with
  • bark at
  • bark at (someone or something)
  • entertain
  • entertain (oneself, someone, or something) with (something)
  • entertain with
  • keep (one) amused
  • keep somebody amused
  • show a good time
References in periodicals archive
Local candle brand Boho also sell their highly original Buddha and skull shaped candles in the store, and Amuse are intent on having as many local brands as possible.
"When we came to name it, Amuse seemed like the perfect one.
But as part of their business model, the women hope that Amuse can help develop and launch the work of local designers and be a platform for Egyptians to establish their own contemporary brands.
Amuse: New concept store in Cairo
While Amuse concentrated on major arthouse fare and indie films with strong commercial potential, Toshiba Entertainment plans to also move into bigger fare with wider releases.
Most of Toshiba's overseas pic purchases will continue to be funneled through Amuse's longtime Gotham-based scout, Kiki Miyake.
Japan manufactures a new content player
Witness the enormous success of "I Am Sam" (Shochiku) last year and the recent breakout of "The Pianist" (Amuse Pictures), which surprised even industry insiders.
Electronics giant Toshiba recently acquired Amuse Pictures, only intensifying competition in the local presales market.
Going Gaga over acquisitions. (Global entertainment finance: local distribs show optimism while continuing to spend cautiously)
Amuse, along with Cine Quanon, brought the spy thriller to Japan, where it set a local box office record for a MIYASHITA Korean movie of 1.6 billion yen ($14.8 million).
Spurred by that success, Amuse (again teaming with Cine Quanon) plans to bring two more Korean hits to Japan next year.
Japan-Korea ties take Amuse-ing turn
Originally a video producer and distributor, Amuse struck paydirt earlier this year with "Swiri," a South Korean import that grossed 1.7 billion yen ($16 million) and sold nearly 1.2 million tickets.
Last week, Amuse and Cine Quanon, a fellow indie which co-distributed "Swiri," announced a deal with Korea's CJ Entertainment to release "Chicken Run" and "The Road to El Dorado." Both titles will preem in Japan next year; CJE is an investor in DreamWorks, which produced both films.
Japan's Amuse fancies theatrical distrib'n role
If the idea of Austin Powers with a beard and a kaftan amuses you (it certainly does me), then this film is definitely for you.
The Love Guru (Sky Movies Premiere, 6pm)
Explain to them that a joke is only funny if it amuses those who hear it, not offends them..
Funny problem; ask anna The answer to your problems
The scandal of Happiness is that obscenity amuses. Watching Happiness, one laughs, and doesn't know why, and wonders if laughter is moral.
Happiness
Without question, the wireless presenter who amuses me most, regularly bringing a smile to my lips, is - Sarah Kennedy.
James Whitaker's Column: Early Bird