In Over one's Head

Example 1:
I want to graduate early, so I registered for 2 extra classes this semester. I thought I could handle it, but I'm starting to think I am in over my head. With all the homework, reading assignments, and classes to attend, I'm not sleeping well and I'm feeling overwhelmed. The deadline to drop classes is next week. I'll probably have to drop one to make things more manageable.

Example 2:
My new job just started. It was probably a terrible idea to lie on my resume about my experience. Now my responsibilities includes skills that I don't actually have. I'm totally in over my head. I will have to be honest with my boss and let them know that I'm not actually qualified for this position. 

Explanation:

To be in over one's head is to be overwhelmed by something you can't handle. Usually a person puts themselves into this situation.
In Example 1, this student has registered for too many classes. The workload has become a problem. It is more than the student can handle.
In Example 2, this person gave false information to her employer, now they have responsibilities that are beyond their knowledge and experience. They cannot handle their job. 

Use the be  verb with a possessive pronoun to form sentences.
I am in over my head
She/He is in over her/his head
We are in over our heads
They are in over their heads 

http://languagesystems.edu/

To Be Swamped

Idiom: “to be swamped”

Meaning:  To be overwhelmed with a great amount of work or obligations

Example #1:

Jackie: I’m so tired! I think I’ve been up for about 48 hours.

Johnny:  Oh, no. Why haven’t you been sleeping?

Jackie: I am absolutely swamped with work! I’m even taking it home at night and working on it. It just never seems to end!

Johnny:  Well, even though you are swamped, you still need to make time to take care of yourself and get some sleep.

Example #2:  

                         

Sarah: This is really irritating. Pete won’t even return any or my calls or texts.

Jacob: Didn’t you hear? He is swamped with family obligations right now. He has to take care of his sick grandma and his 7 year old niece is living with him, so he has to drive her to school every day.  On top of that, he works full-time. 

Sarah: Well, he could at least send me a text saying he can’t talk right now because he is swamped. It’s really rude to just not answer at all.  I thought he didn’t want to be friends anymore.

Jacob: No, he just has a lot of things to do. You should be more understanding and try to be supportive during this time. He’ll call eventually.

Sarah: You’re right.

Meaning: “To be swamped” means to be overwhelmed with work, studies, or obligations. In example 1, Jackie is so swamped with work she cannot even sleep at night.  In example 2, Pete is swamped with family obligations and cannot return any calls.  

For more information, please visit: www.languagesystems.edu