In today’s fast-paced world, being “busy” has become the norm rather than the exception.
But saying you’re just “busy” can get repetitive and doesn’t always capture the chaos of a packed schedule or a demanding day.
That’s where idioms come in—colorful expressions that paint a clearer, more vivid picture of what it really feels like to be overwhelmed, overbooked, or flat-out exhausted.
21 Idioms for busy
1. Swamped with work
Meaning: Overloaded with tasks.
Usage:
I’d love to join you, but I’m swamped with work this week.
She was swamped with work and barely had time to eat lunch.
2. Snowed under
Meaning: Extremely busy or overwhelmed, often at work.
Usage:
We’ve been snowed under since the new project launched.
I’m totally snowed under with reports and deadlines.
3. Running around like a chicken with its head cut off
Meaning: Being extremely busy and frantic, often in a disorganized way.
Usage:
She was running around like a chicken with its head cut off before the wedding.
He’s always running around like a chicken with its head cut off at tax season.
4. Got a lot on my plate
Meaning: Having many responsibilities or commitments.
Usage:
I can’t take on another project—I’ve already got a lot on my plate.
With school, work, and family, she’s got a lot on her plate right now.
5. Juggling too many balls
Meaning: Managing multiple tasks or responsibilities at the same time.
Usage:
Between work, kids, and volunteering, I’m juggling too many balls.
He dropped the ball because he was juggling too many at once.
6. Burning the candle at both ends
Meaning: Working very hard from early morning until late at night.
Usage:
She’s been burning the candle at both ends to finish the project.
You’ll burn out if you keep burning the candle at both ends.
7. Chained to your desk
Meaning: Being stuck working at a desk for long periods.
Usage:
I’ve been chained to my desk all day catching up on emails.
He was practically chained to his desk during the end-of-quarter rush.
8. In the weeds
Meaning: Overwhelmed and struggling to keep up, especially in service or business settings.
Usage:
The restaurant was packed, and the servers were in the weeds.
I got so many emails today—I’m really in the weeds right now.
9. Time is tight
Meaning: Not having much time to complete things.
Usage:
I’d love to help, but time is tight this week.
She managed to finish the job, even though time was tight.
10. Flat out
Meaning: Extremely busy or working at full speed.
Usage:
I’ve been working flat out all day preparing for the meeting.
We were flat out with orders after the ad went live.
11. Busy as a bee
Meaning: Very active and hard at work.
Usage:
She’s always busy as a bee around the office.
I’ve been busy as a bee getting the house ready for guests.
12. Nose to the grindstone
Meaning: Working hard and consistently.
Usage:
He kept his nose to the grindstone and finished the project early.
I’ve had my nose to the grindstone since Monday.
13. Spinning your wheels
Meaning: Being busy but not making any progress.
Usage:
I’ve been spinning my wheels on this report all day.
He was so overwhelmed that he just kept spinning his wheels.
14. On the go
Meaning: Constantly moving or working.
Usage:
I’ve been on the go since 7 a.m.
With three kids, she’s always on the go.
15. Up to your eyeballs (in work)
Meaning: Overloaded or deeply involved in something, usually work.
Usage:
I’m up to my eyeballs in paperwork today.
They were up to their eyeballs in customer complaints.
16. Working like a dog
Meaning: Working very hard or for long hours.
Usage:
He’s been working like a dog since the promotion.
We all worked like dogs during the holiday rush.
17. Can’t catch a break
Meaning: Being constantly busy or facing repeated challenges.
Usage:
I’ve been so busy—I just can’t catch a break.
Between work and family drama, she really can’t catch a break.
18. Booked solid
Meaning: Having no free time or openings in your schedule.
Usage:
I’m booked solid until next Thursday.
The hairstylist is booked solid through the weekend.
19. Working around the clock
Meaning: Working continuously, day and night.
Usage:
The IT team is working around the clock to fix the server.
They’ve been working around the clock to meet the deadline.
20. Can’t keep up
Meaning: Being overwhelmed by the pace or volume of work.
Usage:
With all the orders, I just can’t keep up today.
He’s been so busy, he can’t keep up with emails anymore.
21. Calendar is slammed
Meaning: Having a full or packed schedule.
Usage:
Sorry, my calendar is slammed this week.
Her calendar is slammed with back-to-back meetings.
