Pronunciation: [wɜːɹ ˌʌp ˈi͡əz ˈɪn] (IPA) 
The phrase "were up ears in" may seem confusing to spell for non-native speakers, but it follows the typical English spelling rules. The word "were" is spelled with the long "e" sound as /wɜr/, while "up" is pronounced with the short "u" sound as /ʌp/. "Ears" is spelled with the diphthong /ɪər/ and "in" with the short "i" sound as /ɪn/. Altogether, the phrase is pronounced as /wɜr ʌp ɪərz ɪn/.
The phrase "were up to our ears in" is an idiomatic expression used to convey the idea that someone is deeply involved or overwhelmed by a particular situation or task. It implies being completely engrossed or fully immersed in something to the point where one is almost metaphorically submerged, or having little time or energy for anything else due to the intensity of the situation.
When someone says they "were up to their ears," it suggests that they are inundated or drowning in a specific activity, work, responsibilities, or problems. It emphasizes the sense of being overwhelmed by the sheer volume or complexity of the task at hand. This expression is often used to emphasize that one is extremely busy or preoccupied with a particular matter.
Furthermore, this phrase can also imply that someone is deeply engaged in an emotional or interpersonal situation. It suggests that they are heavily invested or engrossed in the emotional dynamics of a relationship or situation, to the point where it might be difficult to focus on anything else.
Overall, the phrase "were up to our ears in" conveys the sense of being thoroughly absorbed, overwhelmed, or deeply involved in a particular situation, either workload-related or emotionally, to an extent that it becomes difficult to handle or address other matters.
