Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

slave away

Verb Phrase
/sleɪv əˈweɪ/
Definition
To work extremely hard or for long hours at a task or job, often without any reward or enjoyment.
Examples
  • She had to slave away in the kitchen to prepare the huge dinner for the family.
  • He slaved away at the office, putting in late hours but rarely receiving acknowledgment.
  • They slaved away on the project, hoping their efforts would finally pay off.
Meaning
The phrase suggests a sense of being burdened by work, implying that the effort put into it is excessive and often unappreciated.
Synonyms
  • Work hard
  • Labor
  • Toil
  • Struggle
  • Grind