# have time on one's hands

idiom

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

## Meaning

To have additional or spare time in which one has nothing particular to do or accomplish.

## Examples

- 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.

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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.