Meaning
To be very busy.
Cultural Background
Slovenians value punctuality and reliability. Using this phrase is a polite way to maintain your reputation as a hard worker even when you cannot fulfill a request. The 'hands full' metaphor is deeply embedded in the Germanic and Slavic cultural sphere, making it universally understood in the region. In modern offices, this phrase is used to manage expectations during high-pressure periods like end-of-quarter reporting. In agricultural contexts, this phrase is often literal, referring to the seasonal work of harvesting or haymaking.
Use it to set boundaries
This is a polite way to say no to extra work without sounding rude.
It's very common
You will hear this in almost every workplace in Slovenia.
Meaning
To be very busy.
Use it to set boundaries
This is a polite way to say no to extra work without sounding rude.
It's very common
You will hear this in almost every workplace in Slovenia.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word.
Danes imam polne ____ dela.
The idiom is 'imeti polne roke dela'.
What does this phrase mean?
Imam polne roke dela.
The phrase describes being overwhelmed with work.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Greva na sprehod? B: Žal ne, ________.
This is the correct way to decline an invitation.
🎉 Score: /3
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
3 exercisesDanes imam polne ____ dela.
The idiom is 'imeti polne roke dela'.
Imam polne roke dela.
The phrase describes being overwhelmed with work.
A: Greva na sprehod? B: Žal ne, ________.
This is the correct way to decline an invitation.
🎉 Score: /3
Frequently Asked Questions
3 questionsYes, it is professional enough for most workplace interactions.
No, you can use it for any task, like moving house or planning a party.
Yes, 'dela' (work) is the standard completion of the idiom.
Related Phrases
Biti zasut z delom
synonymTo be buried in work
Imeti čez glavo dela
similarTo have work over one's head
Biti v stiski s časom
similarTo be in a time crunch
Biti zaseden
builds onTo be busy
