be / get run / rushed off one's feet

/biː ɡɛt ɹˈʌn ɹˈʌʃt ˈɒf wˈɒnz fˈiːt/

/biː ɡɛt ɹˈʌn ɹˈʌʃt ˈɔf wˈʌnz fˈiːt/

[phrase]

to be / get run / rushed off one's feet

[PHRASE]

to have a lot of things that need to be done

to [be|get] (run|rushed) off {one's} feet definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "run off one's feet" and when to use it?

The phrase "run off one's feet" is believed to have originated in the early 20th century. This idiomatic phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is extremely busy and has a lot of tasks to complete.

Examples

1. If we don't hire more staff, we're going to get rushed off our feet during the busy season.

2. The catering team was rushed off their feet during the wedding reception, making sure all the guests were served.

3. Holmes mythology tells us that the bad doctor needled his way into the employ of a bedridden pharmacist named E.S. Holton, whose young wife was run off her feet operating the business by herself.

Nearby words