up to your ears

up to (one's) ears (in something)

Extremely busy (with something); deeply or overly involved (in something); possessing, filled up with, or overwhelmed by an excessive amount (of something). There's no way I can take a vacation right now, I'm up to my ears in work at the moment! I only meant to be peripherally involved in David's business venture, but before I knew it I was in up to my ears! Dana was worried she wouldn't find any work as an accountant working for herself, but she's up to her ears in clients!

See also: ear, up

up to your ears

If you are up to your ears in work or in an unpleasant situation, you are very busy with it or are deeply involved in it. I can't come out this evening — I'm up to my ears in reports. Trimarco's campaign director was said to be up to his ears in dirty business deals.

See also: ear, up