Have your hands full

usgb
phrase

To be very busy.

With three young children, she always has her hands full.
Visual representation of "have your hands full" - To be very busy

Often appears as...

  • have one's hands full with
  • have one's hands full dealing with

Usage tips

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "have your hands full"
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Metaphorical Use

The phrase often symbolizes being overwhelmed without literally carrying things.

Illustration for Metaphorical Use
Planning the event alone? You'll have your hands full!
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Emotional Tone

This phrase can express sympathy or admiration for someone's effort.

Illustration for Emotional Tone
She has her hands full running the charity, but she’s doing great.
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Not About Difficulty

Focuses on how busy you are, not on how hard the tasks are.

Illustration for Not About Difficulty
Even though the tasks are easy, I have my hands full with them.
Visual representation of the word "Have your hands full"

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