hæv wʌnz hændz fʊl
Work
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- To have both hands occupied holding things
What does "have one's hands full" mean?
- To be very busy with something
- To have a lot to deal with or manage
Examples
- With three young kids, she has her hands full.
- I'd love to help, but I have my hands full with this project.
- The new manager has his hands full dealing with the company's problems.
Origin
From the literal image of having one's hands fully occupied, unable to take on anything more. Used figuratively since at least the 18th century.
How to use it
Common expression for being busy. Often used as an excuse for not taking on more work.
Similar expressions
be very busy
be swamped
be overwhelmed
Opposites
have free time
be available
have nothing to do
Related idioms
- hit the nail on the head
To describe exactly what is true or important
- call it a day
To stop working for the day
- learn the ropes
To learn the basics of a job or activity
- it's not rocket science
It's not difficult to understand or do
- get your act together
To organize yourself and start behaving more responsibly
- hit the books
To study intensively
Use it in a practice answer
Try "have one's hands full" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.