To Have One’s Hands Full 👐
Definition
To be completely occupied or very busy, to have more than enough to do.
Synonyms
- Swamped
- Overwhelmed
- Hectic
- Inundated
Antonyms
- At leisure
- Unoccupied
- Idle
Similar Terms & Expressions
- “Up to one’s ears” 👂
- “Snowed under” ❄️
- “Burning the candle at both ends” 🕯️
Historical Reference
This expression dates back to the fifteenth century or even earlier. It appears in Thomas Malory’s Morte d’Arthur: “Ye shalle have bothe your handes ful of me.”
See Also
- Plate: To have a lot/enough on one’s plate 🍽️
- Load: Carrying a heavy load 🏋️
Humor-Filled Quotes
“Just remember, if the world didn’t suck, we’d all fall off.”
Proverbs
- “If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it.” - Logic implies that a busy person is efficient!
- “Many hands make light work.” - When overwhelmed, remember teamwork!
Recommended Literature, Songs, and Films
- Books: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller — because sometimes life feels just as paradoxical and chaotic.
- Songs: “Manic Monday” by The Bangles — An anthem for everyone’s crazy start to the week.
- Poetry: The Waste Land by T.S. Eliot — Perfectly chaotic and full with layers of meaning.
- Movies: The Pursuit of Happyness — Will Smith portrays the ultimate struggle of juggling life’s burdens.
Quizzes
### Which saying implies being very busy?
- [ ] Walking on sunshine ☀️
- [ ] Sleeping on the job 💤
- [x] Swamped with work 🌊
- [ ] In cloud nine ☁️
> **Explanation:** "Swamped with work" means being very busy, perhaps even overwhelmed, much like how a swamp covers everything in water.
### What's another way to say 'to have one’s hands full'?
- [ ] Baking easy cakes 🎂
- [ ] Walking a turtle 🐢
- [x] Up to one’s ears 👂
- [ ] Dancing in the rain ☔
> **Explanation:** "Up to one’s ears" is another way to describe being extremely busy, or overburdened with tasks.
### True or False: "Filling your plate" means being easily satisfied.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** “Filling your plate” is actually a common metaphor for taking on many responsibilities or tasks at once, not being easily satisfied.
### Which term will you use when you are too occupied?
- [ ] Free as a bird 🕊️
- [x] Inundated 🌊
- [ ] Feather-light 🪶
- [ ] Light as air 💨
> **Explanation:** "Inundated" aptly describes being overwhelmed or flooded with tasks and responsibilities, much like being busy.
Farewell Thought:
In the bustling tapestry of life, may you always find joy even when your hands are full, and never wish your plate was anything less than just the right amount of overflowing. Embrace the chaos because that’s where life’s most wonderful stories are born.
Warmly, B. U. Stressed
