The correct spelling of the phrase "wast up to ears in" is actually "waist-deep in." The "wast" is an incorrect spelling, likely due to a misheard pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, "waist-deep in" would be /weɪst diːp ɪn/. The word "waist" is pronounced with a long a sound, represented by the symbol /eɪ/. The word "deep" is pronounced with a long e sound followed by a p sound, represented by /diːp/.
"Waste up to ears in" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a situation where someone is overwhelmed or immersed in a large quantity or a great extent of something, usually a task, responsibility, or problem.
When a person is "waste up to ears in," it means they are completely surrounded or swamped by a particular matter, often to the point of being unable to handle or cope with it effectively. This phrase is figurative and does not imply a literal measurement of height or physical contact with the ears. Instead, it seeks to emphasize the depth or intensity of involvement.
The word "waste" in this context implies a state of being deeply engrossed or consumed by a specific matter, often one that is burdensome or overwhelming. "Up to ears" suggests that the level of involvement or immersion is so extensive that it reaches the point of complete saturation, leaving little to no room for other activities or concerns.
For example, a student during exam week might say, "I am waste up to ears in studying," indicating that they have an overwhelming amount of studying to do and are fully absorbed by it. Similarly, a business professional might use this phrase to describe being completely overwhelmed with work projects, saying, "I am waste up to ears in deadlines." In both cases, the expression conveys a sense of being deeply engrossed and engulfs an individual's attention, time, and energy.