Working life in Hong Kong can be very intense. In addition to those trivial matters in daily life, sometimes we feel exhausted and stressed out. These are some colloquial phrases for expressing the overwhelming stress you usually suffer.
1) to have a lot on one’s plate
With the baby coming and working overtime… I have a lot on my plate as it is, please don’t make things even harder for me!
2) to be at one’s wits’ end
This new project has put me at my wits’ end. I can’t do this!
3) to have a lot on one’s mind
I’m sorry I’m so out of it today. I just have a lot on my mind.
4) to take a weight/load off one’s mind
Hey, let’s take a vacation. You really need to try and take a load off your mind.
5) to be up to one’s neck in something
They’ve been up to their necks trying to finish the project that’s due tomorrow.
6) to have run/worked oneself into the ground
He really worked himself into the ground by taking on two jobs and being a single father.
7) my head is about to explode
Gosh, the deadline is tomorrow at 12p.m., my head is about to explode!
