He was up to his elbows in work.

She was up to her elbows in work and couldn't take a break.

He was a hard act to follow.

The previous winners of the competition were hard acts to follow.

From day to day, she becomes more confident in her abilities.

I ate so much at the buffet, I feel fit to burst!

We tried a new approach, but it didn't work. So, we're back to the old drawing board.

He always knows how to turn his failures to good account.

Leaving the faucet running all night is a waste of water.

He is putting his foot to his ass.