The phrase "wast up to one ears in" is commonly used to describe being deeply involved in something. The spelling of "wast" is derived from the Old English word "waestan," meaning "to be empty or waste." The IPA phonetic transcription for "wast" is /wɑst/. The word "ears" is spelled phonetically as /ɪrz/ and is pronounced as it sounds. When combined, the phrase is pronounced as /wɑst ʌp tu wʌn ɪrz ɪn/.
To be "wast up to one's ears in" is an idiomatic expression used to describe being deeply engrossed or overwhelmed by something, typically denoting an excessive amount or a high level of involvement. The phrase conveys a sense of being completely immersed or inundated in a particular situation, often to the point of feeling overwhelmed or unable to manage it effectively.
The word "wast" is derived from the archaic past tense of "to be," and "up to one's ears" figuratively implies being fully submerged or deeply immersed. When used in conjunction with "in," it emphasizes the state of being surrounded or encompassed by a certain activity, task, or responsibility.
This expression can be applied to various contexts, such as work, studies, obligations, or problems. It suggests a state of being completely absorbed or overwhelmed by the magnitude or quantity of tasks or responsibilities at hand. It implies a feeling of being swamped or buried under a heavy workload, obligations, or difficulties.
In simpler terms, "wast up to one's ears in" means being completely and deeply consumed or engaged in a particular situation, often denoting a significant amount or intensity of involvement that may lead to a sense of being overwhelmed or unable to keep up with the demands.