have time on your hands idiom meaning

Idiom: “Have time on your hands”

Definition: To have free time, or more time available than one knows what to do with; to not be busy, and consequently have the opportunity to engage in activities that may otherwise be overlooked or pursued leisurely.

Usage:

• “Since retiring, Margaret has had a lot more time on her hands and has taken up gardening.”
• “If you have time on your hands this weekend, maybe we could finally start that DIY project.”

Etymology: This idiom likely arises from the imagery of holding time in one’s hands as though it were a physical object. It’s a way to express the concept of possessing the freedom to engage in various activities due to a lack of pressing engagements.

Pronunciation: /hæv taɪm ɒn jɔːr hændz/

Synonyms:

• Have spare time
• Be unoccupied
• Have free time
• Be at leisure

Antonyms:

• Be busy
• Be occupied
• Have no time
• Be tied up

1. After retiring, she finally had time on her hands to pursue her passion for painting.
2. With no plans for the weekend, he found himself with time on his hands and decided to volunteer at the local shelter.
3. Since the project was completed early, the team had time on their hands to brainstorm ideas for the next phase.
4. During the school holidays, the kids had time on their hands to explore new hobbies and interests.
5. After finishing his exams, he suddenly had time on his hands, so he took a trip to visit old friends.