# have one's hands full

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/have-ones-hands-full
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To be busy or thoroughly preoccupied.

## Examples

- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.