This idiom often carries a tone of stress or overwhelm due to a high volume of tasks or responsibilities. I can't take a break; I'm up to my eyebrows in paperwork.
Pro Tip 2/3
Not Literal
The phrase is hyperbolic and does not mean that something is physically up to one's eyebrows. She said she was up to her eyebrows in emails, but her inbox was actually quite manageable.
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Informal
Use this idiom in casual conversations rather than formal writing or professional communication. Sorry I missed your call; I was up to my eyebrows in chores.