Time on One’s Hands, (to have)
Definition
To be idle or bored; not have enough to do. This expression dates from the late seventeenth century and was in print by 1700. “My time lies heavy on my hands” appears in George Farquhar’s 1703 play The Inconstant.
Related Expressions & Synonyms
- Time to Kill: Just like a knight on his day off.
- Twiddling One’s Thumbs: Harder than it sounds, trust me.
- Kicking One’s Heels: More of a fancy jig than an actual kicking match.
- At a Loose End: Imagine being a string, frayed and using a free weekend to contemplate life.
Antonyms
- Busy as a Bee: Fulfilling work while buzzing with excitement.
- In Full Swing: Life is a party and you’re dancing on every table.
- Up to One’s Neck: Not literally, unless you’re in a swimming pool trying to multitask.
Witticism:
“Idle hands are the devil’s workshop. But really, wouldn’t the devil outsource to Amazon by now?”
Proverbs:
- “An idle brain is the devil’s workshop.”
- “All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, but all play and no work makes Jack a mere toy.”
Literature & Pop Culture References:
- Book Suggestion: A Cook’s Tour by Anthony Bourdain—perfect for transforming idle hours into a gastronomic adventure.
- Song Recommendation: “Sitting on the Dock of the Bay” by Otis Redding—an anthem for anyone twiddling their thumbs by the water.
- Movie Watch-List: Ferris Bueller’s Day Off—your go-to guide for making the most of an unexpectedly free day.
🧠 Inspirational Thought:
When your hands are free, it’s time to let your imagination roam. Remember, Einstein was just sitting around wondering why apples fall.
### True or False: "Having time on one’s hands" means being extremely busy.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Nope! Having time on one’s hands means having nothing much to do.
### Which of these phrases means the same as "time on one’s hands"?
- [ ] Under the gun
- [x] Cul-de-sac of activity
- [ ] Saving face
- [x] At loose ends
> **Explanation:** Both "cul-de-sac of activity" and "at loose ends" translate to having not much going on, just like "time on one's hands." "Under the gun" means being under pressure, and "saving face" means avoiding embarrassment.
### Fill in the blank: When Steve has too much time on his hands, he often ends up _________.
- [x] Learning the oboe
- [ ] Building a rocket ship
- [ ] Competing in the Ironman Triathlon
- [x] Experimenting with sourdough recipes
> **Explanation:** "Learning the oboe" and "experimenting with sourdough" are classic hobbies that scream "I have too much time!" Rocket-building and Ironman competitions may require more structured time than what's implied.
### Which literary work mentions "My time lies heavy on my hands"?
- [x] *The Inconstant* by George Farquhar
- [ ] *Hamlet* by William Shakespeare
- [ ] *Pride and Prejudice* by Jane Austen
- [ ] *Wuthering Heights* by Emily Brontë
> **Explanation:** The quote "My time lies heavy on my hands" comes from George Farquhar’s 1703 play *The Inconstant*.
### True or False: "Twiddling one’s thumbs" is an idiom related to having "time on one’s hands."
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** Indeed, "twiddling one’s thumbs" is synonymous with "time on one’s hands" and suggests idling away time.
🌟 Inspirational Farewell
May you find creativity in those moments of idle time and turn every second of ‘time on your hands’ into moments filled with innovation and joy. Keep twiddling those thumbs until you make a masterpiece out of them!
