irons in the fire

Describing a blacksmith working on several pieces at the same time.

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irons in the fire pl (plural only)

1. Tasks in progress; involvement in ongoing projects.
   • 2024 January 24, Dyan Perry talks to Nick Brodrick, “The industry has given me so much”, in RAIL, number 1001, page 45:

     Although she plans to step back from the boards of NSAR and East West Rail, there are "a couple of other irons in the fire".

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).

• have one's fingers in many pies
• wear too many hats
• spin plates