Snowed under
Meaning
To be overwhelmed with a large amount of work or responsibilities, making it difficult to cope.
Origin
Imagine a harsh winter storm, a blizzard so intense it piles snow high, burying houses, roads, and even people, making movement impossible. This vivid, literal image of being trapped and immobilized by an overwhelming force of nature is the direct ancestor of "snowed under." The phrase first appeared in its metaphorical sense in the early 20th century, capturing the feeling of being buried not by flakes, but by an insurmountable mountain of tasks, deadlines, and responsibilities. Just as deep snow can halt all activity, being "snowed under" brings one's productivity to a standstill, leaving a person feeling utterly overwhelmed and unable to dig their way out.
Examples
- After the holiday sales, the customer service team was completely snowed under with inquiries.
- I can't take on any more projects right now; I'm completely snowed under with my current workload.