To have one's hands full meaning in English
Learn how to use To have one's hands full correctly with Gymglish.
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Definition
I have (got) my hands full: I have (got) a lot on my mind, many things to do; I am busy, very occupied
Examples
- "Umm, Moira, Brent, we've got our hands full over here, we'll check back with you in a bit!"
Exercise 1
Ray tells Brent and Moira, "We've got our hands full over here".
From the list below, choose the expressions which could replace this line in the dialogue and express the same meaning.
There may be more than one correct answer!
From the list below, choose the expressions which could replace this line in the dialogue and express the same meaning.
There may be more than one correct answer!
Ray tells Brent and Moira, "We've got our hands full over here".
From the list below, choose the expressions which could replace this line in the dialogue and express the same meaning.
There may be more than one correct answer!
From the list below, choose the expressions which could replace this line in the dialogue and express the same meaning.
There may be more than one correct answer!
The expression "my hands are shaking" describes a state of great anxiety. Hands shake (or tremble) during anxious or nervous moments, however the expression can be used literally or figuratively. Ray's expression "we've got our hands full" doesn't express that he and Rachid are nervous, but rather that they are busy.
The expression "to be scared out of one's mind" describes a state of great fear. Although Ray and Rachid might be scared of the situation, Ray's expression "we've got our hands full" doesn't express this.
The expression "to have one's hands full" means to be occupied or busy, as does the phrase "we're in the middle of something". In this broadcast, Ray tells Moira that he and Rachid "have got their hands full" meaning that they are too busy to complete the traffic report, and that they are in the "middle of" another action, namely negotiating the safety of themselves and the helicopter.
The expression "to have one's hands full" means to be occupied or busy, as does the phrase "we're really busy right now". In this broadcast, Ray and Rachid have been threatened by the US Air Force for flying in a restricted area. Ray tells Moira that he and Rachid "have got their hands full" meaning that they are too busy to complete the traffic report.
The expression "hungry enough to eat a horse" describes a state of great hunger, or desire to eat food. Ray's expression "we've got our hands full" doesn't express this.
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