Pronunciation: [wˈɔːm ɐ t͡ʃˈe͡ə] (IPA) 
The phrase "warm a chair" is spelled /wɔrm ə tʃɛr/. The first syllable "warm" is pronounced with a rounded open-mid back vowel /ɔ/, followed by the letter "r" which makes the sound /r/. The second syllable "a" is a schwa sound /ə/ and the third syllable "chair" is pronounced with the voiceless affricate /tʃ/ and the vowel /ɛr/. So, in total, "warm a chair" has three syllables and is pronounced "wɔrm ə tʃɛr."
The phrase "warm a chair" is a colloquial idiom used to describe a person who is occupying a seat or position without actively contributing or making any productive use of their time or skillset. It refers to someone who is simply sitting in a chair, often in a workplace or organizational setting, but not engaging in any meaningful tasks or responsibilities.
When someone is said to be "warming a chair," it implies that they are physically present but not exerting effort or fulfilling their role in a purposeful manner. This phrase is commonly employed in work environments or meetings to hint at an individual's lack of productivity or contribution to the team or organization.
The origin of this phrase can be traced back to the image of warming a chair or seat instead of accomplishing something of value. It suggests that the person occupying the chair is merely preventing others from using it or incurring expenses for their presence, without utilizing their skills or delivering results.
The term can carry a slightly negative connotation as it implies that the person in question is engaged in unproductive or idle behavior. It is often used in a light-hearted manner to mock or criticize someone's lack of focus or contribution, highlighting their inefficiency in fulfilling their responsibilities.
