The phrase "being to one's ears in" can be a bit challenging to spell. The word "being" is usually straightforward, pronounced [biːɪŋ]. However, the phrase requires careful attention to the prepositions "to" and "in." In IPA, "to" is usually transcribed as [tuː], while "in" is pronounced [ɪn]. So the pronunciation, and therefore the spelling, of the phrase can be tricky: [biːɪŋ tuː wʌnz ɪrz ɪn]. Keep practicing and listening carefully to get it right!
To be in a situation or condition where one is immersed or overwhelmed by a great amount of something is known as "being up to one's ears in". This idiomatic phrase denotes a state of being fully and completely involved, engaged, absorbed, or swamped by a particular thing or activity. It implies a sensation of being deeply entrenched or surrounded by a substantial quantity or overwhelming extent of something, often to the point of feeling overwhelmed or burdened.
The expression originated from the concept of being submerged in a body of water, where the ears are positioned. Metaphorically, it refers to the feeling of being completely surrounded or overwhelmed by something, much like being overwhelmed by water while fully immersed.
This phrase often conveys a sense of the level of intensity and extent of involvement. It is commonly used to describe situations where someone is excessively busy, preoccupied, or occupied in a way that leaves little or no time for other activities or tasks. For instance, a person could be up to their ears in work, responsibilities, bills, or even problems. In these contexts, the phrase reflects a state of being deeply engrossed, consumed, or burdened by the specified matter, leaving little or no freedom or respite.