The English We Speak: Up to my eyes in

Learning English Conversations

BBC

Education, Language Learning

4.6 • 1.1K Ratings

🗓️ 22 July 2025

⏱️ 3 minutes

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Summary

An expression meaning you’re very busy with something stressful or time-consuming.

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Transcript

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0:00.0	Beth, did you know some learners haven't ever listened to six-minute English?
0:05.7	That's wild.
0:07.3	Don't they know it's the best way to improve your English and learn more about our world at the same time?
0:13.6	I don't know.
0:14.5	Maybe they don't realise we tell the best stories from BBC programmes in simple English
0:20.2	and teach interesting vocabulary, all in six minutes.
0:24.6	Well, of course, all in six minutes. I think that part is probably clear.
0:30.6	Search for six minute English in your podcast app or visit BBClearningEnglish.com to join our huge community of English learners.
0:39.7	Hello and welcome to the English we speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English
0:46.2	speakers so that you can use them as well. I'm Faye Faye and I'm here with Beth, who's looking
0:52.4	a bit stressed. Are you okay? Hi Fayeaye, Faye. Sorry, my in-laws
0:57.7	are coming this weekend and I've been up to my eyes in housework and now I've come to work
1:03.8	and I'm up to my eyes in emails. I haven't even had lunch. Oh no, you poor thing. It's not
1:10.0	good to be up to your eyes in housework or emails,
1:13.6	although up to your eyes in is a useful phrase. It means you are very busy, completely
1:20.6	surrounded by something that takes a long time or is stressful.
1:25.6	Yes, it means you've got so much to do that it's too much for you. It's
1:30.3	overwhelming. We can use up to your eyes in for work, chores, problems or anything that you're
1:36.9	extremely busy with. I know. I'm up to my eyes in holiday preparation. There is so much to do
1:43.2	and pack. But holidays are always fun.
1:46.3	That's true. It will be worth it. Let's hear some more examples of Up to Your Eyes in.
1:55.3	My washing machine is broken at the moment, so I'm up to my eyes in laundry.
	...

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