emotionsintermediateuniversal
Estoy hasta el cuello
/EHS-toy AH-stah ehl KEH-yo/
I'm swamped
Literal translation
I'm up to the neck
When to use it
Used when someone feels overwhelmed by work, responsibilities, or stress. It’s more intense than just 'I'm busy' and implies being completely submerged in obligations.
In conversation
— ¿Vienes a la fiesta? — No, estoy hasta el cuello con los exámenes.
“— Are you coming to the party? — No, I'm swamped with exams.”