have one's hands full

/hav wˈɒnz hˈandz fˈʊl/

/hæv wˈʌnz hˈændz fˈʊl/

[phrase]

to have one's hands full

[PHRASE]

to have a lot of work that needs to be dealt with

to [have] {one's} hands full definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "have one's hands full" and when to use it?

The phrase "have one's hands full" is believed to have originated in the 16th century, and it is a reference to the idea of being so busy or preoccupied that one has no free hands. The idiom is used to describe a situation where someone is very busy or has a lot of responsibilities to attend to. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts.

Examples

1. She has her hands full with her three kids and her job, so she doesn't have a lot of free time.

2. The project manager has his hands full trying to coordinate the team and meet the project deadline.

3. If you're thinking of starting your own business, be prepared to have your hands full with all the work that needs to be done.

4. The couple had their hands full with two infant daughters, and they could hardly scrape by with what money they had.

Nearby words

have it made in the shade