have one's hands full
To be busy or thoroughly preoccupied.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I cannot help you today because I have my hands full.”
“With three children and a new puppy, she certainly has her hands full this week.”
“Although he claimed to be available for the project, his current responsibilities suggest he already has his hands full with existing commitments.”
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abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
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ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
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act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
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act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
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afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
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air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
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air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
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albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026