plough on
B2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To keep going with something hard or boring without giving up.
Literal meaning: For a plough to keep moving forward through the soil.
Meanings
1 B2
idiomatic
neutral
To continue steadily with a difficult or laborious task despite obstacles or fatigue.
"It was a dull report, but she ploughed on until she finished it."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
Chiefly British English. Implies slow, effortful progress rather than enthusiastic continuation. Often used for reading, working, or traveling through difficulties.
Commonly used with
despite regardless work report reading journey
Forms
Base
plough on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
ploughs on
he/she/it
Past simple
ploughed on
yesterday
Past participle
ploughed on
have + pp
-ing form
ploughing on
continuous
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