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to have something on one's hands
01
to need to deal with something as a part of one's responsibilities or obligations
![to [have] {sth} on {one's} hands definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/41632/original/?type=jpeg "to [have] {sth} on {one's} hands definition and meaning")
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "have something on one's hands" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "have something on one's hands" is unclear, but it has been in use since at least the 16th century. It is used to describe a situation where someone has a problem or responsibility that they need to deal with.
Examples
If the deal fails, we will have a serious problem on our hands.
