As busy as a one-armed paperhanger

Definitions

• very busy
  Describing someone who has a lot of tasks or responsibilities to attend to and is constantly occupied with little time for rest or leisure.

• chaotic or hectic
  Referring to a situation or environment that is extremely busy and disorganized, often resulting in stress or confusion.

Examples of As busy as a one-armed paperhanger

• The project manager was as busy as a one-armed paperhanger, juggling multiple tasks simultaneously and barely finding time to catch his breath.

  This idiom is used to describe someone who is extremely busy and seems to have a never-ending list of tasks to complete. The phrase "as busy as a one-armed paperhanger" is meant to be humorous, as it's difficult to imagine how a person with only one arm could effectively hang wallpaper. However, the idiom is used to convey the idea that the person being described is working tirelessly and efficiently, despite any obstacles or challenges that may be in their way.

Conclusion

The idiom "as busy as a one-armed paperhanger" is typically used to convey a sense of being extremely busy or overwhelmed with tasks. It can also imply a sense of chaos or disorder in one's life or environment.

This idiom is commonly used in casual conversation and is often used to exaggerate one's level of busyness or to empathize with someone who is feeling overwhelmed. It can also be used humorously to make light of a hectic situation.

Origin of "As busy as a one-armed paperhanger"

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the mid-20th century. It is thought to be a variation of the idiom "as busy as a one-armed paperhanger with hives," which dates back to the early 1900s. The phrase "one-armed paperhanger" was used to describe someone who had a difficult and time-consuming job, as wallpaper hanging was a laborious and precise task.

Over time, the phrase evolved to simply "as busy as a one-armed paperhanger," with the emphasis shifting to the concept of being busy rather than the actual job of wallpaper hanging. The idiom may also have been influenced by the similar phrase "as busy as a beaver," which also conveys a sense of busyness and industriousness.

In conclusion, the idiom "as busy as a one-armed paperhanger" is a common expression used to describe someone who is extremely busy or a situation that is very hectic. Its origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have evolved from the phrase "one-armed paperhanger" and has been in use for several decades.