1.
even want to borrow a cat's paws; desperately busy
So extremely busy that one would accept any help available, even from a cat (whose paws are useless for work). Describes a state of being overwhelmingly short-handed.
年末は猫の手も借りたいほど忙しい。
At year-end, we're so busy we'd even borrow a cat's paws.
人手が足りなくて、猫の手も借りたい状況だ。
We're so short-staffed that we'd take any help we can get.
イベント前日は猫の手も借りたいぐらい準備に追われた。
The day before the event, we were so overwhelmed with preparations that any help would've been welcome.
USAGE: This expression vividly describes extreme busyness or being desperately short-handed. The humor comes from the absurdity of wanting help from a cat, whose paws are clearly useless for human tasks.
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 猫の手も借りたいほど忙しい (so busy one would even borrow a cat's paws)
- 猫の手も借りたい状況 (a desperately short-handed situation)
- 猫の手も借りたいぐらいだ (we're so busy that...)
CULTURAL NOTE: This expression reflects the Japanese work culture where being extremely busy is common, especially during certain seasons like 年末 (year-end), 決算期 (fiscal closing), or before major events.
SIMILAR EXPRESSIONS:
- てんてこ舞い (frantically busy)
- 目が回る (so busy one's head spins)