busy bee
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A very active, industrious, and energetic person. This term compares a person's constant activity and diligence to the behavior of a bee, which is known for being perpetually busy.
Usage
The term "busy bee" is used as a singular noun to describe someone who is always occupied with work or activities. It is almost always used in a complimentary or affectionate way to praise someone's hard work and energy.
Examples
- My grandmother is a real busy bee; she's always gardening, baking, or volunteering.
- You've been a busy bee this morning—the whole house is clean!
- The new intern is such a busy bee, constantly taking notes and asking questions.
Advanced Usage
- The phrase can be used metaphorically beyond human activity. For example, a computer processor handling many tasks simultaneously might be described as a "busy bee," though this is a creative, figurative extension.
- It is commonly found in informal contexts, children's literature, and everyday speech to encourage or acknowledge effort.
Variants and Related Words
- Busy as a bee: This is the adjectival phrase from which the noun "busy bee" is derived. It describes the state of being very busy.
- She's been as busy as a bee all week preparing for the event.
Synonyms
- Dynamo
- Go-getter
- Hustler
- Live wire
- Eager beaver
Related Idioms
- Have a bee in one's bonnet: To be obsessed with an idea. (Note: This idiom relates to "bee" but has a different meaning concerning fixation, not industriousness.)
- Make a beeline for: To go directly and quickly toward something. (This idiom relates to the direct flight of a bee but is separate from the concept of being busy.)