Have your hands full
phrase
To be very busy.
With three young children, she always has her hands full.
Often appears as...
- have one's hands full with
- have one's hands full dealing with
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To have as much as one can deal with.
With the new project at work, I have my hands full.
Often appears as...
- have one's hands full with
- have one's hands full dealing with
phrase
To be very busy.
With three young children, she always has her hands full.
Often appears as...
- have one's hands full with
- have one's hands full dealing with
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
To have as much as one can deal with.
With the new project at work, I have my hands full.
Often appears as...
- have one's hands full with
- have one's hands full dealing with
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase often symbolizes being overwhelmed without literally carrying things.
Planning the event alone? You'll have your hands full!
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Tone
This phrase can express sympathy or admiration for someone's effort.
She has her hands full running the charity, but she’s doing great.
Pro Tip 3/3Not About Difficulty
Focuses on how busy you are, not on how hard the tasks are.
Even though the tasks are easy, I have my hands full with them.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase often symbolizes being overwhelmed without literally carrying things.
Planning the event alone? You'll have your hands full!
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Tone
This phrase can express sympathy or admiration for someone's effort.
She has her hands full running the charity, but she’s doing great.
Pro Tip 3/3Not About Difficulty
Focuses on how busy you are, not on how hard the tasks are.
Even though the tasks are easy, I have my hands full with them.
Pro Tip 1/3Metaphorical Use
The phrase often symbolizes being overwhelmed without literally carrying things.
Planning the event alone? You'll have your hands full!
Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Tone
This phrase can express sympathy or admiration for someone's effort.
She has her hands full running the charity, but she’s doing great.
Pro Tip 3/3Not About Difficulty
Focuses on how busy you are, not on how hard the tasks are.
Even though the tasks are easy, I have my hands full with them.
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