on one's hands

on one's hands  {adv.} or  {adj. phr.}

In your care or responsibility; that you must do something about.

Mrs. Blake left her five children with me while she shopped. I could not get anything done with the children on my hands.

After everyone bought tickets to the dance, the club treasurer had over $100 on his hands.

The electricity went off while Mother was cooking supper, and she had a problem on her hands.

I had time on my hands before the bus came, so I bought a newspaper to read.

Contrast: OFF ONE'S HANDS.

See: SIT ON ONE'S HANDS.

Compare: HANG HEAVY or HANG HEAVY ON ONE'S HANDS.