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

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.

Away from work, I can finally relax.

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:

  1. He decided to work away at his project until it was complete.
  2. She has been working away in her garden all day.
  3. They are determined to work away at improving their skills.

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