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Region: UK | Usage example: We were snowed under with orders before the holidays.

Snowed under

Meaning

Overwhelmed with work.

Usage

Describes workload overload.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Imagery of snow piling on top of someone.

Common in British newspapers describing winter work.

Related Idioms

Water under the bridge

Past events that are forgiven or no longer important.

Under your belt

Gained experience or completed.

Sweep under the rug

Ignore or conceal problems instead of addressing them.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.