Až po uši

Meaning: "Až po uši" is a Czech idiom that literally translates to "up to the ears." It signifies being completely immersed or deeply involved in something, usually a situation, problem, or activity, to the point where one is overwhelmed or heavily burdened.

Usage: The idiom is frequently used to express being deeply in love ("zamilovaný až po uši" - in love up to one's ears), deeply in debt ("zadlužený až po uši" - in debt up to one's ears), or overwhelmed with work or responsibilities ("mít toho až po uši" - to have it up to one's ears). The extent of the involvement is often negative, implying a difficult or burdensome state. However, it can sometimes also be used in a positive sense, for example, to express extreme enjoyment or enthusiasm for something.

Origin: The origin of the idiom is likely rooted in the idea of being submerged in something, reaching up to the ears, which symbolizes a state of being completely engulfed or overwhelmed. The image evokes a sense of being unable to easily escape the situation or burden.

Synonyms: Several other Czech phrases convey similar meanings, including:

• Po krk (up to the neck)
• Zasypaný prací (buried in work)
• Mít plné ruce práce (to have one's hands full)
• Mít až nad hlavu (to have it over one's head)