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

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!