# spread oneself thin

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/spread-oneself-thin
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To commit oneself to too many projects, so that there is little chance of completing them all satisfactorily.

## Examples

- I am spreading myself thin by working two jobs.
- You should focus on one project instead of spreading yourself thin with so many different tasks.
- By attempting to manage the entire department while simultaneously launching a new startup, the executive realized he was spreading himself too thin to be effective.

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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.