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(as) busy as a bee
01
extremely busy with work, activities, etc.
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "busy as a bee" and when to use it?
The idiom "busy as a bee" dates back to the late 14th century, most famously appearing in Geoffrey Chaucer's The Canterbury Tales. It originates from the ancient observation of honeybees, which appear to be in constant, tireless motion while foraging and maintaining their hives. In modern English, it is used to describe someone who is exceptionally industrious, productive, or multitasking. Use this phrase when you want to highlight a person's hardworking nature or their ability to stay active and focused on various tasks.
Examples
During the holiday season, the store employees were busy as bees, helping customers and restocking shelves.
