The idiom “(as) busy as a one-armed paperhanger” is used to describe someone who is extremely busy, often with too much work to do. It evokes an image of a paperhanger (a person who hangs wallpaper) who only has one arm to work with, making the task far more difficult and time-consuming. The idiom is meant to emphasize how busy and overwhelmed a person is.
What does “(as) busy as a one-armed paperhanger” mean?
Definition:
- Extremely busy, often to the point of being overwhelmed or overworked.
- Having more tasks or work than one can handle comfortably.
Origins: The idiom draws on the image of a paperhanger who would typically need two hands to efficiently hang wallpaper. With only one arm, the job would be much harder and require more time and effort, symbolizing a person who has a lot to do and is struggling to keep up.
Examples of “(as) busy as a one-armed paperhanger“
In a workplace context:
“My boss keeps me as busy as a one-armed paperhanger with all these urgent deadlines.”
“I’ve got plenty of work. I’m busy as a one-armed paperhanger trying to get everything done before the end of the week.”
During busy times:
“During the holiday season, I’m as busy as a one-armed paperhanger. There’s just no time to relax.”
“With all the projects I’m handling right now, I feel as busy as a one-armed paperhanger.”
How to Use “(as) busy as a one-armed paperhanger“
When you have too much work:
“I’ve been working overtime for weeks. I’m as busy as a one-armed paperhanger!”
Describing overwhelming tasks:
“Between my regular job and the home repairs, I’m as busy as a one-armed paperhanger. I can’t keep up!”
Related idioms
- Busy as a bee: Very busy, constantly working or moving.
- As busy as a beaver: Extremely busy, often with a lot of work or activity.
- Up to one’s ears in work: Having an overwhelming amount of work.
Conclusion
The idiom “(as) busy as a one-armed paperhanger” humorously conveys the idea of being incredibly busy and overburdened with tasks. It’s an effective way to express how overwhelmed someone feels when they have too much to do and not enough resources (like two arms) to do it all.
