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."
beaver away
B2 informal intransitive
To work hard and industriously at something for a long period of time.
In plain English
To work really hard and busily on something without stopping.
What does "beaver away" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To behave like a beaver — an animal known for cutting wood and building dams tirelessly.
Actually means
To work really hard and busily on something without stopping.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "beaver away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
at task project work desk research
How to conjugate "beaver away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "beaver away" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "beaver away" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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