snowed under
To have too much work to do
حرفيًا: Covered by a large amount of fallen snow
Use `snowed under` to explain you're overwhelmed by work in a relatable, non-complaining way.
في 15 ثانية
- Used when you have way too much work to handle.
- Commonly used to politely decline invitations or explain delays.
- Implies you are overwhelmed and struggling to catch up.
المعنى
Imagine being buried under a huge pile of snow and you can't get out. This phrase means you have so much work or so many tasks that you feel overwhelmed and can't keep up.
أمثلة رئيسية
3 من 6Declining a lunch invitation
I'd love to go, but I'm absolutely snowed under with this report.
I'd love to go, but I have too much work on this report.
Explaining a late reply to a friend
Sorry for the late text, I've been snowed under at the office all week.
Sorry for the late text, I've been very busy at work all week.
In a professional meeting
Our team is currently snowed under with the new product launch.
Our team has too much work because of the new product launch.
خلفية ثقافية
The phrase originated in the 1800s, likely from the agricultural or frontier regions of North America. It captures the helplessness of a sudden winter blizzard where physical movement becomes impossible. Today, it reflects the modern 'hustle culture' where being overwhelmed by work is a common social experience.
The 'With' Connection
Always use `with` to specify what is making you busy. Saying `I'm snowed under with requests` sounds much more natural than just saying `I'm snowed under`.
Don't Overuse It
If you say you are `snowed under` every single day, people might think you are bad at managing your time rather than just being busy!
في 15 ثانية
- Used when you have way too much work to handle.
- Commonly used to politely decline invitations or explain delays.
- Implies you are overwhelmed and struggling to catch up.
What It Means
Think about a heavy winter storm. The snow falls so fast you cannot shovel it away. In English, snowed under describes that exact feeling with your to-do list. You have so many emails, chores, or assignments that you feel trapped. It is not just about being busy. it is about feeling buried by the volume of work.
How To Use It
You usually follow this phrase with the word with. For example, you might say, I am snowed under with paperwork. You can also use it alone if the context is clear. It is a passive expression. You do not 'snow under' someone else; you 'are' snowed under. It sounds natural in both speech and writing.
When To Use It
Use this when you need to decline an invitation politely. It is perfect for the office when a boss asks for more. Use it when texting a friend to explain why you replied late. It works well during exam season or busy holiday periods. It shows you are hardworking but currently at your limit.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for small, easy tasks. If you have one email to write, you are not snowed under. Avoid using it in very formal legal documents. It is a bit too descriptive for a court of law. Also, do not use it if you are literally in a snowstorm. People might think you are actually trapped in a drift!
Cultural Background
This idiom became popular in the mid-19th century. It likely started in the American West where heavy snow was a real danger. If a house was snowed under, the people inside were stuck. Over time, we started using it for the 'storm' of modern office life. It reflects a culture that values being busy and productive.
Common Variations
You might hear people say they are buried or swamped. Swamped is the most common alternative. It means the same thing but uses water instead of snow. In the UK, you might hear under the cosh, but that is much more stressful. Stick with snowed under for a relatable, everyday feel.
ملاحظات الاستخدام
This idiom is safe for almost any situation from a coffee shop to a business meeting. It is considered 'neutral'—neither too slangy nor too stiff.
The 'With' Connection
Always use `with` to specify what is making you busy. Saying `I'm snowed under with requests` sounds much more natural than just saying `I'm snowed under`.
Don't Overuse It
If you say you are `snowed under` every single day, people might think you are bad at managing your time rather than just being busy!
The Polite 'No'
In English-speaking cultures, this phrase is a 'soft' way to say no. It shifts the blame to the 'workload' rather than you just not wanting to do something.
أمثلة
6I'd love to go, but I'm absolutely snowed under with this report.
I'd love to go, but I have too much work on this report.
A polite way to say 'no' without sounding rude.
Sorry for the late text, I've been snowed under at the office all week.
Sorry for the late text, I've been very busy at work all week.
Shows that the delay wasn't personal.
Our team is currently snowed under with the new product launch.
Our team has too much work because of the new product launch.
Explains why resources might be limited.
I'm snowed under with laundry; call for search and rescue!
I have way too much laundry to do; help me!
Uses the literal image of being buried for a joke.
I'm just so snowed under lately, I feel like I can't breathe.
I am so overwhelmed recently that it is very stressful.
Conveys a genuine sense of being overwhelmed.
Every student is snowed under during finals week.
Every student has too much work during the final exams.
Describes a shared difficult experience.
اختبر نفسك
Choose the correct preposition to complete the phrase.
I am completely snowed ___ with emails today.
The standard idiom is always `snowed under`.
Identify the best situation to use this phrase.
If you have 5 minutes of work, you are busy. If you have 10 hours of work and 2 hours to do it, you are ___.
We use the past participle `snowed` to describe our state of being overwhelmed.
🎉 النتيجة: /2
وسائل تعلم بصرية
Formality of 'Snowed Under'
Texting a friend about chores.
Snowed under with dishes!
Standard use in most conversations.
I'm snowed under at work.
Professional emails to colleagues.
The department is currently snowed under.
When to say you are Snowed Under
Office Work
Too many spreadsheets.
School
Three essays due tomorrow.
Home Life
Spring cleaning the whole house.
Social Life
Planning a wedding or big party.
الأسئلة الشائعة
10 أسئلةYes! You can be snowed under with wedding planning, housework, or even too many social invitations. Anything that feels like a heavy burden works.
Yes, busy is general. Snowed under implies that you are struggling to keep up and might be falling behind.
No, that is incorrect. You must use the passive form I am snowed under because the work is what 'covered' you.
Absolutely. It is very common in the UK, USA, Canada, and Australia.
You could say I have a heavy workload or I am currently at capacity. These are better for very formal reports.
Usually, it has a slightly negative or stressful tone. However, a business might say they are snowed under with orders, which is a good problem to have!
Be careful. You don't want to sound like you can't handle pressure. Only use it to describe a past situation where you successfully managed a lot of work.
Yes, they are almost identical. Swamped is slightly more common in casual American English, but both are understood everywhere.
Usually, snowed under implies many small tasks (like many snowflakes). For one big task, you might just say I'm tied up with this project.
You can, but snowed under with is much more common and sounds more natural to native speakers.
عبارات ذات صلة
Swamped
Overwhelmed by a large amount of something (like water in a swamp).
Up to my neck
Very deeply involved or busy with something.
On my plate
The amount of work or responsibility one has to deal with.
Buried in work
Having so much to do that you feel hidden or trapped by it.
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