Have One’s Hands Full, To
Definition: To be completely occupied or very busy, to have more than enough to do. This expression dates from the fifteenth century or earlier. It appears in Thomas Malory’s Morte d’Arthur: “Ye shalle have bothe your handes ful of me.”
Similar Terms and Related Expressions:
- Plate to be full: Indicates being overwhelmed with tasks or obligations.
- Burning the candle at both ends: Overworking oneself both day and night.
- Swamped: Figuratively drowning in work.
- Up to one’s neck/ears in: Being deeply involved or completely immersed in activities or problems.
- Juggling too many balls: Balancing multiple tasks at once, often implying that at least one is bound to drop.
Synonyms:
- Overwhelmed
- Overburdened
- Engaged
- Swamped
Antonyms:
- Idle
- Unoccupied
- Freed up
- Laid-back
Humor-filled Quote: “Behind every overworked person is a terrible idea struggling to get out!” - Unknown
Proverbs:
- “Too many irons in the fire” (Attempting to handle too many tasks at once)
Literary Recommendations:
- Moby Dick by Herman Melville – Captain Ahab certainly had his hands full with that whale.
- The Shining by Stephen King – Here’s Johnny! Jack Torrance’s tasks go grievously beyond his pay grade.
- Les Misérables by Victor Hugo – Jean Valjean had one too many serious responsibilities, that’s for sure.
Movies:
- Mary Poppins – The Banks family could barely juggle their everyday tasks until a magical nanny showed up.
- The Devil Wears Prada – Handling a near-impossible job at Runway certainly means having your hands full… deluxe edition.
Songs:
- “Busy Man” by Billy Ray Cyrus – A testament to juggling work, family, and life itself.
- “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton – Celebrates (or laments?) the unmanaged chaos of working life.
Inspirational, Thought-Provoking Farewell: Remember, life’s most fascinating challenges often come when our hands (and hearts) are full. Embrace the whirlwind with grace, humor, and a good playlist!
### Beat the Clock with these Busy-Life Brainteasers!
### Which of these means the same as 'having one's hands full'?
- [x] Plate to be full
- [ ] Empty canvass
- [ ] Clean slate
- [ ] Bare hands
> **Explanation:** "Plate to be full" implies a similar level of busyness, with various tasks demanding attention and time.
### Burning the candle at both ends means:
- [x] Overworking oneself day and night
- [ ] Lighting candles in multiple places
- [ ] Saving energy by reducing light usage
- [ ] Cooking meals faster
> **Explanation:** This idiom vividly describes the strain of extended work hours, symbolizing overburdened lifestyles.
### Finish the sentence: If you're 'swamped', you likely:
- [x] Have way too much to do
- [ ] Are enjoying a vacation
- [ ] Are sailing smoothly
- [ ] Are trying a new diet
> **Explanation:** When you're 'swamped', it means you're overwhelmed by an abundance of tasks or responsibilities to the point of feeling unable to manage them.
### True or False: 'Idle hands are the devil's workshop' provides a moral warning against having too little to do.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** This proverb suggests that having idle time can lead to getting involved in mischief or bad behavior.
### What does 'up to one's neck' imply?
- [x] Being deeply involved or extremely busy
- [ ] Enjoying a spa treatment
- [ ] Taking a refreshing dip
- [ ] Wearing elegant clothing
> **Explanation:** This expression indicates being deeply involved or extremely busy with something, as if one were nearly submerged.
