be snowed under

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be snowed under" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is overwhelmed with work or responsibilities. Example: "With all the deadlines approaching, I feel like I'm going to be snowed under this week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

You must be snowed under with tweets from the Megatrons.

The Guardian - Music

Dear Father Christmas, I realise that you may be snowed under with letters from children all around the world asking for the latest iPhone.

Independent

With such an extensive music, television and film collection, you might think Nicholas would be snowed under with discs in his small south London flat.

Independent

They won't be snowed under by the demands of the every day.

BBC

I have texted him and don't expect a reply straight away because he will be snowed under," said the England boss.

BBC

You can be snowed under before you know it.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

If we had included photographs, the sounds would have been snowed under", wrote Professor Planqué in email.

The Guardian

I've got 17 friends... I'm snowed under".

Independent

Roads were closed, lifts were shut, even the igloo village was snowed under.

Independent

Everyone is snowed under on Monday and busy prepping for the weekend on Friday.

Independent

Mapes is snowed under, and, together with Rather and other CBS employees, she endures the consequences.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be snowed under" to vividly describe a state of being overwhelmed, particularly when deadlines or excessive tasks create significant pressure. This idiom adds color to your writing and helps convey the intensity of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "be snowed under" in contexts that literally involve snow. This idiom is specifically for describing being overwhelmed, not for literal weather events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be snowed under" functions as an idiomatic expression, specifically a predicate adjective phrase. It describes a state of being overwhelmed by a large quantity of tasks, responsibilities, or information. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

24%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Academia

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the idiom "be snowed under" is a common and correct way to express being overwhelmed with work or responsibilities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used across various contexts, though slightly less formal. When using this phrase, be mindful of its idiomatic nature and avoid literal interpretations. Consider using more formal alternatives, such as "overwhelmed with work" in professional settings. The phrase's frequency and presence in reputable sources like The Guardian, BBC, and The New York Times highlight its accepted usage in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be overwhelmed with work

Focuses specifically on the burden of excessive work.

be swamped with tasks

Emphasizes the feeling of being submerged or overloaded by numerous tasks.

be overloaded with responsibilities

Stresses the weight and burden of having too many duties.

be snowed

Shorter, more casual version of the original phrase.

be buried in paperwork

Highlights a specific type of task that is causing the overwhelm.

be up to one's neck in work

An idiomatic expression indicating a high degree of involvement and pressure from work.

have too much on one's plate

Indicates having more tasks or responsibilities than one can handle comfortably.

be hard-pressed

Implies being under significant pressure and strain due to excessive demands.

be fully occupied

Suggests being busy to the point of not being able to take on additional tasks.

be engrossed in work

Highlights a state of deep involvement and focus on work.

FAQs

How can I use "be snowed under" in a sentence?

You can use "be snowed under" to describe a situation where you have too many tasks or responsibilities. For example, "I'm going to "be snowed under" with work this week because of the upcoming deadlines".

What does it mean to "be snowed under"?

To "be snowed under" means to be overwhelmed with a large amount of work or responsibilities. It implies that you are very busy and struggling to manage everything.

What are some alternatives to "be snowed under"?

Some alternatives include "be overwhelmed", "be swamped", or "be buried in work". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "be snowed under" formal or informal?

"Be snowed under" is generally considered an informal idiom, suitable for everyday conversation and less formal writing. In professional contexts, consider using a more formal alternative like "be overwhelmed" or "have a heavy workload".