snowed under
Having a lot of things to do, usually work-related; tied up.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“I am snowed under with work today.”
“She cannot join us for lunch because she is completely snowed under with end-of-year reports.”
“Although he hoped to take a vacation, he remained snowed under with urgent projects that required his immediate and undivided attention.”
disputed origin
Late 19th-century American: overwhelmed as if buried by a snowfall.
- 01
snow job
An attempt to persuade a person using flattery or deception.
- 02
snow on the mountaintop
Gray or white hair on one's head, especially as an indication of aging.
- 03
snow on the rooftop
Gray or white hair on one's head, especially as an indication of aging.
- 04
snow out
To cover with snow.
- 05
walk in the snow
An occasion when a momentous career decision is made, especially a decision to resign or retire.
Last updated August 10, 2026