Phrase of the day

Discover a new phrase each day to use in your English! These are special phrases and sayings that English speakers use all the time, but you don't often see these phrases in English course books or other study material. Visit daily to learn some popular English phrases on a regular basis.
12th March 2024

There's/there are only so many hours in a day

We use this expression to say we have more things to do than time to do them in.
Usage
Written: 
No
Spoken: 
Yes
Formal: 
No
Informal: 
Yes
Example 1
You've got to arrange everything for the conference next week by tomorrow!
There are only so many hours in a day. I can't do it all on my own. I need help.
Example 2
Being a mother of two young children is really difficult. It's like two full-time jobs!
Yes, and there's only so many hours in a day!

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