1 C1 idiomatic informal
to continue working hard and steadily, especially on something difficult or repetitive
"She kept pegging away at her thesis all summer."
inseparable
peg away
C1 informal inseparable intransitive
to keep working steadily and persistently at something
In plain English
to keep working hard on something for a long time
What does "peg away" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
to keep striking or fixing pegs one after another
Actually means
to keep working hard on something for a long time
Usage tip
Mainly British and somewhat old-fashioned. Often followed by 'at' plus the task.
Words that pair with "peg away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
homework job task problem project desk
How to conjugate "peg away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
peg away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
pegs away
he/she/it
Past simple
peged away
yesterday
Past participle
peged away
have + pp
-ing form
peging away
continuous
Hear "peg away" in the wild
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Other ways to say "peg away"
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