chug away

B2 informal intransitive

In simple words

To keep going steadily — like an old engine that keeps running slowly but doesn't stop

Literal meaning: 'Chug' imitates the rhythmic sound of a slow engine; 'away' suggests continuous action — 'the train chugs away down the track'

Meanings

1 B2 neutral

common

Of a vehicle or machine: to move or operate steadily while making a low, rhythmic sound

"The old fishing boat chugged away from the harbour just as the sun was rising."

2 B2 idiomatic informal

common

To continue working steadily on something over a period of time (figurative)

"She's been chugging away at her dissertation for the past three months."

Usage notes

The literal sense refers to vehicles or machines making a 'chug chug' sound as they move. The figurative sense describes a person or process that keeps working steadily without stopping, often despite difficulty. Tone is often neutral or mildly affectionate — not as negative as 'grind away'.

Commonly used with

engine train economy project machine steadily

Forms

Base

chug away

I/you/we/they

3rd person

chugs away

he/she/it

Past simple

chuged away

yesterday

Past participle

chuged away

have + pp

-ing form

chuging away

continuous

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