Be up to your eyebrows in something

usgb
idiom

To be very busy with something.

I'd love to help with your project, but I'm up to my eyebrows in work right now.
Visual representation of "be up to your eyebrows in something" - To be very busy with something

Often appears as...

  • up to my eyebrows in work
  • up to his eyebrows in debt

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "be up to your eyebrows in something"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Emotional Intensity

This idiom often carries a tone of stress or overwhelm due to a high volume of tasks or responsibilities.

Illustration for Emotional Intensity
I can't take a break; I'm up to my eyebrows in paperwork.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Literal

The phrase is hyperbolic and does not mean that something is physically up to one's eyebrows.

Illustration for Not Literal
She said she was up to her eyebrows in emails, but her inbox was actually quite manageable.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Informal

Use this idiom in casual conversations rather than formal writing or professional communication.

Illustration for Informal
Sorry I missed your call; I was up to my eyebrows in chores.
Visual representation of the word "Be up to your eyebrows in something"

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