1 B2 idiomatic informal
To continue working at something tedious or difficult without stopping
"The speech was going on far too long, but the senator just plowed on regardless."
plow on
B2 informal intransitive
To continue doing something difficult or tedious with determination
In plain English
To keep going even when something is hard or boring
What does "plow on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 neutral
To continue moving forward in difficult or obstructed conditions
"Even in the blizzard, the expedition team plowed on through the snow toward base camp."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To continue driving a plow forward through the field
Actually means
To keep going even when something is hard or boring
Usage tip
Always intransitive. Suggests the task requires real effort and the person is pushing through resistance. Commonly used in British English in informal speech and writing.
Words that pair with "plow on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
regardless despite work report manuscript meeting
How to conjugate "plow on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
plow on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
plows on
he/she/it
Past simple
plowed on
yesterday
Past participle
plowed on
have + pp
-ing form
plowing on
continuous
Hear "plow on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "plow on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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