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Perfect Stranger Posted 11 years ago
Vocabulary

Idiom question - to be a mile behind with something

Dear Users,

Is this idiom a commonly used one in the English-speaking countries? Can it be used in the following way?

I'm a mile behind with grading but I should be done by tomorrow.

Does it simply mean: I'm overhelmed by work; I'm up to my eyeballs with work?

Thanks
  

Top answer

It's pretty much not used at all, and no it can't be used to mean what you want. Mostly because a mile isn't very long. You could say "I'm miles behind" to get your meaning.

— Deadrat

  • It's pretty much not used at all, and no it can't be used to mean what you want.
  • Mostly because a mile isn't very long.
  • You could say "I'm miles behind" to get your meaning.
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4 Answers
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It's pretty much not used at all, and no it can't be used to mean what you want. Mostly because a mile isn't very long. You could say "I'm miles behind" to get your meaning.
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You absolutely can use it in this context and, contrary to the other reply it is a widely used phrase in English speaking countries, particularly in Hiberno and Anglo English
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Further a mile is long enough, about 1.3kg so when used in the context you have stated it adds to the magnitude of how far ‘behind’ at something one is.

Also, it would be more commonly used thus; ‘I’m miles behind at/in...’

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Thanks bro / sis I don't who are u
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