have many irons in the fire

== English == === Etymology === Describing a blacksmith working on several pieces at the same time. === Pronunciation === === Noun === irons in the fire pl (plural only) Tasks in progress; involvement in ongoing projects. ==== Usage notes ==== May be used with a positive connotation, e.g. "have other irons in the fire" (other projects are available if this one fails), or with a negative connotation, e.g. "too many irons in the fire" (overwhelmed by having too many tasks). ==== Translations ==== ==== See also ==== have one's fingers in many pies spin plates too many balls in the air wear too many hats