To be very busy or completely occupied with tasks or responsibilities, often implying that one has as much as they can handle. Suggests being at or near capacity for managing obligations.
A literal phrase that became metaphorical, originally referring to carrying as much as one's hands could physically hold. The figurative use for being busy with responsibilities developed naturally in the 1600s-1700s as the concept extended beyond physical carrying.
This phrase beautifully captures the physical sensation of being overwhelmed - when your hands are literally full, you can't pick up anything else without dropping something. It's why we instinctively gesture with our hands when saying we're too busy, even though the busyness isn't physical.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.