be snowed under

be snowed under

To be very busy or overwhelmed with something. This phrase evokes the image of being buried under an avalanche. I'd love to go out to dinner tonight, but I'm totally snowed under at the office right now. Kate's not coming tonight because she's snowed under with research for her thesis.See also: snow

be snowed ˈunder (with something)

have more things, especially work, than you feel able to deal with: I’d love to come but I’m completely snowed under at the moment.See also: snow