Have time on your hands

usgb
phrase

To have a lot of free time and not know what to do with it.

Now that I'm retired, I have a lot of time on my hands.
Visual representation of "have time on your hands" - To have a lot of free time and not know what to do with it

Often appears as...

  • have too much time on your hands
  • have a lot of time on your hands

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "have time on your hands"
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Not busy

Used when someone has nothing urgent to do or no responsibilities at a given time.

Illustration for Not busy
With the kids at camp, I suddenly have time on my hands.
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Potential boredom

Can imply that the person might be bored because they don't have enough to do.

Illustration for Potential boredom
I've finished all my projects and have time on my hands now, it's quite boring.
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Subtle sarcasm

Sometimes used sarcastically, suggesting that someone is wasting time or lacks important things to do.

Illustration for Subtle sarcasm
He's counting the tiles in the kitchen? Looks like someone has too much time on their hands.
Visual representation of the word "Have time on your hands"

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