(one's) only got one pair of hands
(one's) only got one pair of hands
There is a limited amount of things one can do at once, so do not make unreasonable demands or have unrealistic expectations. You'll have to wait until I'm finished cooking dinner before I can come help you—I've only got one pair of hands! She's only got one pair of hands, so I don't know how she'll get that all done before the deadline.
See also: hand, of, one, pair
I've only got one pair of hands
1. There is a finite amount of things I can pick up, carry, or do with my hands. A: "Don't forget to carry the groceries in from the car." B: "Can you come out and help? I'm bringing the kids inside, and I've only got one pair of hands."
2. I am too busy to take on any other work. The boss wants me to go over all the intern's work, on top of what I'm already trying to finish for Friday. I've only got one pair of hands!
See also: hand, of, one, pair
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
someone's only got one pair of hands
People say that someone's only got one pair of hands to mean that there is a limit to the number of things they can do at the same time and they should not be expected to do more than is reasonable. They've only got one pair of hands, and there's so much to do. Just wait a minute, will you — I've only got one pair of hands.
See also: hand, of, one, pair
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
I’ve only got one pair of ˈhands
(spoken) used to say that you are too busy to do anything else: Give me a chance! I’ve only got one pair of hands you know!See also: hand, of, one, pair
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- I only have one pair of hands
- I've only got one pair of hands
- someone's only got one pair of hands
- (one) only has one pair of hands
- be in a dream world
- cry/ask for the moon
- ask for the moon
- what did your last slave die of
- delusion
- delusions of grandeur