Up to your ears

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Meaning

Buried deep in something, swamped.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to 'ears'; deep as sound, slang by 1830s for full. A 1840 'Punch' uses it for a debt pile.

Variants

  • To your ears

Usage Examples

  • I'm up to my ears in paperwork-help!
  • He's up to his ears in debt now.
  • Up to your ears; too much to do.

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