have time on one's hands
To have additional or spare time in which one has nothing particular to do or accomplish.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I have plenty of time on my hands this weekend.”
“Since he retired last month, he has had a lot of time on his hands to learn gardening.”
“With the project finally completed and no pressing obligations, she found herself with significant time on her hands to pursue her long-neglected interest in painting.”
- 01
a week is a long time in politics
In politics, much change can occur in a short space of time.
- 02
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 03
about time
Far past the desired time.
- 04
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 05
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 06
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”).
- 07
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 08
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
Last updated August 10, 2026