Have your hands full Meaning in English
expression
ˈhæv/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈhændz/, /ˈhænz/ /ˈfʊɫ
HAV yur HANDZ fuhl
hav/ /jˈɔː/ /hˈændz/ /fˈʊl
hav yAW HANDZ fUHL
Definition
To be very busy or occupied, often with too many tasks or responsibilities at the same time.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal idiom, not literal—does not mean physically carrying items. Used for people who are extremely busy, especially when caring for others (children, work, etc.). Often used: 'I have my hands full with...' or 'She has her hands full.' Not appropriate for very formal writing.
Spanish: estar muy ocupado - tener las manos llenas (figurado)Portuguese (BR): estar com as mãos cheias (figurado) - estar muito ocupadoPortuguese (PT): ter as mãos cheias (figurado) - estar muito ocupadoChinese (Simplified): 忙得不可开交 - 手头很忙Chinese (Traditional): 忙得不可開交 - 手頭很忙Hindi: बहुत व्यस्त होनाArabic: مشغول للغاية - يده ممتلئة (مجازي)Bengali: ভীষণ ব্যস্ত থাকা - নানা কাজে ডুবে থাকাRussian: по уши в делах - загружен по полнойJapanese: 手一杯だ - 手がいっぱいだVietnamese: bận tối mắt tối mũi - bận ngập đầuKorean: 손이 가득하다 - 바쁘다Turkish: eli dolu olmak - çok meşgul olmakUrdu: ہاتھ بھرے ہونا - بہت مصروف ہوناIndonesian: sibuk sekali - punya banyak urusan
Example Sentences
I have my hands full taking care of the kids.
basic
She has her hands full with two jobs.
basic
You really have your hands full this week.
basic
Sorry I can't help right now—I have my hands full with this project.
natural
He already has his hands full, so don't give him extra work.
natural
With three small kids, I've definitely got my hands full these days.
natural