What does “Too many irons in the fire” mean?
"Too many irons in the fire" means having too many tasks or responsibilities at once.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I can't take on any more projects right now, I already have too many irons in the fire.
Example
She's feeling overwhelmed because she has too many irons in the fire.
Example
He's been working late every night because he has too many irons in the fire
Is “Too many irons in the fire” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Too many irons in the fire” 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 “Too many irons in the fire” effectively in context?
You can use "Too many irons in the fire" to describe a situation where someone has taken on too many tasks or responsibilities at once, leading to feelings of overwhelm or being overloaded. For example, if a friend is juggling multiple projects and is feeling stressed, you might say, 'It sounds like you have too many irons in the fire right now. Maybe it's time to delegate some tasks or prioritize your workload.'
- 1Work
I can't take on any more projects right now, I already have too many irons in the fire.
- 2Personal Life
She's feeling overwhelmed because she has too many irons in the fire.
- 3Time Management
He's been working late every night because he has too many irons in the fire.
Similar phrases to “Too many irons in the fire”:
Having too much to handle or manage
Example
He's feeling overloaded with work and personal commitments.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Too many irons in the fire” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Too many irons in the fire" is unknown.
Is “Too many irons in the fire” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Too many irons in the fire" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the feeling of being overwhelmed or having too much on their plate.
What tone does “Too many irons in the fire” have?
"Too many irons in the fire" conveys a tone of stress or overwhelm. It's often used to sympathize with someone who is dealing with a heavy workload or multiple responsibilities.
Can “Too many irons in the fire” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Too many irons in the fire" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being overloaded with tasks or responsibilities. 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, 'She's feeling overwhelmed because she has too many irons in the fire.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I have "too many irons in the fire"!' to imply being overloaded with tasks.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- overburdened
- overwhelmed
- swamped
- overcommitted
- snowed under
Antonyms
- unoccupied
- idle
- undercommitted
- underloaded
- underwhelmed
