work away: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘work away’ mean?
The idiom "work away" means to continue working steadily and persistently, often without taking breaks or stopping. It implies a strong work ethic and a focused approach to completing tasks or projects.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "work someone's ass off" means to make someone work extremely hard or exert a great deal of effort. It implies intense labor or a demanding workload.
The idiom "work someone's arse off" means to work extremely hard or put in a lot of effort to achieve a task or goal.
The idiom "work one's fingers to the bone" means to work extremely hard and tirelessly, often to the point of exhaustion, in order to achieve a goal or complete a task.
The idiom "work back" means to reverse the usual order or process in order to solve a problem or make progress. It implies going against the natural flow of things and thinking in a different way to find a solution.
The idiom "waste away" means to gradually become weaker, thinner, or less healthy, often due to illness or lack of proper care. It implies a continuous decline in physical condition or overall well-being.
The idiom "tool around" means to spend time idly or casually, often without a specific purpose or goal. It is typically used to describe someone driving or traveling aimlessly or casually without any particular destination or intention.
The idiom "stay on" means to continue to work or be employed in a certain place or position for a period of time.
The idiom *slug away* means to work hard and persistently at something, often in a determined and relentless manner.
The idiom "put to work" means to utilize or employ someone or something for a particular purpose or task.
Unveiling the Essence
The idiom "work away" is a commonly used phrase in English language. Its origin can be traced back to the mid-19th century. It consists of two simple words, "work" and "away," which when combined take on a metaphorical meaning. In this analysis, we will explore the various facets of the idiom, including its definition, usage, and underlying connotations.
The idiom "work away" implies a persistent and dedicated effort towards accomplishing a given task or goal. It suggests engaging in work continuously and without interruption. The word "away" in this context emphasizes a sense of unceasing labor or commitment. This idiom is commonly used in both professional and personal contexts.
The idiom "work away" is often used to describe a diligent and focused work ethic. It conveys the idea of someone consistently putting effort into their work, regardless of distractions or obstacles. It implies perseverance and determination, highlighting the importance of actively working towards achieving a desired outcome. Those who "work away" demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to their tasks.
Furthermore, "working away" can also refer to the act of engaging in physical labor or manual work. It brings to mind images of someone toiling away on a task, often with a sense of urgency or intensity. It is used to describe the process of actively working on something, often with a sense of purpose or urgency. Those who "work away" with their hands are often seen as dedicated and hardworking individuals.
The idiom "work away" is most commonly used in informal and conversational contexts. It can be found in both spoken and written language, including books, articles, and online platforms. Its usage is not limited to any particular region or demographic, making it widely understood and accessible. The idiom can also be modified to fit various grammatical structures, such as "working away" or "worked away," without altering its meaning significantly.
One related idiom is "beaver away," which has a similar meaning to "work away." When someone is described as "beavering away," it means they are working diligently and busily, much like a beaver building its dam. This idiom emphasizes the idea of dedicated effort and productive work.
Another related idiom is "slug away." This phrase also conveys the notion of persistent effort and hard work. When someone is said to be "slugging away," it means they are putting in consistent and determined effort towards a task or goal. This idiom suggests a sense of endurance and resilience in the face of challenges or obstacles.
The idiom "work away" holds a significant place in the English language as a representation of perseverance, dedication, and ongoing effort. Its usage spans various contexts and is widely understood. Whether used to describe a diligent work ethic or physical labor, this idiom resonates with individuals striving towards their goals. It captures the essence of continuous effort and serves as a reminder of the importance of steadfastly working towards one's objectives.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "work away" can be used in a sentence include:
- He decided to work away at his project until it was complete.
- She has been working away in her garden all day.
- They are determined to work away at improving their skills.
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