(deep) into the weeds

1. Of a restaurant worker, completely overwhelmed with diners' orders and unable to keep up with the pace. I was all alone waiting tables during Sunday brunch, so I got into the weeds almost immediately. Even with a full staff, Friday was so busy that we were deep into the weeds for most of the night. It didn't take long to get into the weeds on my shift, so no, you couldn't pay me to stick around here for another hour. See ya!

2. Overwhelmed with problems, troubles, or difficulties. We were starting to fall deep into the weeds on the lead up to the software's unveiling, but we managed to make up some lost ground in the last couple of weeks. My relationship with Joanna has been getting into the weeds lately. Boy, we're deep into the weeds now. I'm worried we're going to have to scrap the whole thing.

3. Totally immersed or preoccupied with the details or complexities (of something). I'd like to come out tonight, but I'm deep into the weeds with my thesis. When I left them at the library, they were getting into the weeds analyzing Mrs. Dalloway for their presentation. I think you're too deep into the weeds to see a solution. Some time away from the project might help.