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Free Spirit English / February 13, 2020

92. Up to My Eyes – Learn English Idioms with Videos

Has this ever happened to you? The weekend arrives and you’ve planned to spend it partying with your friends. But suddenly your boss calls you. You don’t want to pick up the phone, but you feel you have no choice. You answer the call. Your boss tells you that the company needs your help with an urgent project and the deadline is Monday morning. Sadly, you message your friends to say “Sorry, I’m up to my eyes with work and can’t make it to the party as planned.

Can you use today’s idiom correctly in a sentence? Watch the video below to see more examples.

Learn English - Everyday Idioms #92. Up to My Eyes

Transcript

Imagine you had a lot of work to do, and this pile of work went from the table up to your eyes.

That’s the idea behind this idiom. If I say, “I’m up to my eyes,” I mean, “I’m extremely busy.”

OK, let’s look at a few example sentences:

  • Dinner? This weekend? Sorry, Mike, but I really can’t. I’m up to my eyes at the moment. Another time, maybe.
  • Sorry I haven’t called you in a while, Mum. I’ve just been up to my eyes with work and the kids.
  • I don’t think James will be able to come to the barbecue this Saturday. He’s been up to his eyes in work lately.

So, there we have it. I sure hope you guys haven’t been up to your eyes lately!

Practice

Ready to practice today’s idiom? Here are a few ideas to get you started.

  • Your house is a mess, but your friend wants to visit your home today. What do you tell her?
  • You are working on a big project for your company that is due next week, but your parents want you to come to dinner on Sunday afternoon. What would you say?
  • Your cousin wants to meet you for a game of golf, but you’ve promised to help your best friend prepare for his college entrance exam. How would you respond?
  • Have any of your friends bailed on an event recently? What excuse did they give?

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Filed Under: Everyday Idioms, Videos

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