beaver away
B2 informal intransitive
In simple words
To work really hard and busily on something without stopping.
Literal meaning: To behave like a beaver — an animal known for cutting wood and building dams tirelessly.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
informal
To work hard, busily, and continuously at a task, often for an extended time.
"She's been beavering away at her thesis for months and is almost done."
Usage notes
Derived from the beaver's reputation as an industrious animal. Primarily British English. Usually followed by 'at something'. Has a slightly humorous or affectionate tone.
Commonly used with
at task project work desk research
Forms
Base
beaver away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
beavers away
he/she/it
Past simple
beavered away
yesterday
Past participle
beavered away
have + pp
-ing form
beavering away
continuous
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