What does “Be Snowed Under” mean?
"Be Snowed Under" means to have a lot of work or tasks to do and feel overwhelmed or unable to keep up with them.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I'm snowed under with assignments and deadlines this week.
Example
She's been snowed under with emails and meetings all day.
Example
He's feeling snowed under with responsibilities and projects at work
Is “Be Snowed Under” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Be Snowed Under” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Be Snowed Under” effectively in context?
You can use "Be Snowed Under" to describe a situation where you have a large amount of work or tasks to do and feel overwhelmed or unable to keep up with them. It emphasizes the feeling of being buried or swamped by responsibilities. For example, if a friend asks how you're doing, you might say, 'I'm snowed under with assignments and deadlines this week.'
- 1School
With exams approaching, she's been snowed under with studying and preparing for tests.
- 2Work
She's been snowed under with emails and meetings all day and hasn't had time to work on her own projects.
- 3Personal Life
After moving to a new house, he's feeling snowed under with unpacking and organizing.
Similar phrases to “Be Snowed Under”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Be Snowed Under” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Be Snowed Under" is unknown.
Is “Be Snowed Under” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Be Snowed Under" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express feeling overwhelmed by a large amount of work or tasks.
What tone does “Be Snowed Under” have?
"Be Snowed Under" conveys a tone of being overwhelmed and stressed. It's often used to sympathize with someone who is experiencing a heavy workload or a lot of responsibilities.
Can “Be Snowed Under” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "be snowed under" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being overwhelmed by work or tasks. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I'm snowed under with work and don't have time for anything else.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I'm "snowed under"!' to imply being overwhelmed.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- overwhelmed with work
- bogged down with tasks
- drowned in responsibilities
- suffocated by workload
- burdened with duties
Antonyms
- idle
- relaxed
- unburdened
- free from responsibilities
- light workload
