COMMON

1. If you have a problem or task on your hands, you have to deal with it. Both teams will have a battle on their hands to stay in the Premier Division. They need to accept that they have a very serious problem on their hands. Note: This expression is generally used to refer to bad or difficult situations. However, it is sometimes used to refer to good situations, for example when you say that someone has a hit or a success on their hands. The record company realized they had a major hit on their hands. Now, three years on, the Barrys have a success story on their hands with a business that employs eight people.

2. If you have a person on your hands, you are responsible for caring for them or dealing with them. I've got tired players on my hands and we are only five weeks into the season. I suddenly had six children on my hands and a whole afternoon to entertain them. Note: You use this expression when the responsibility is likely to be difficult for you. Compare with off your hands.