1 B1 idiomatic informal
To work very hard for a long time, especially at a tedious or poorly paid task.
"She slaved away in the kitchen for three hours to prepare the dinner party."
inseparable
slave away
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
To work extremely hard for a long time, especially at something tedious or poorly rewarded.
In plain English
To work very, very hard for a long time on something tiring or boring.
What does "slave away" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 idiomatic informal
To work continuously at something with little appreciation or reward.
"He had been slaving away at the report for weeks, only to have it rejected."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To work like a slave — to perform hard labor without reward or rest.
Actually means
To work very, very hard for a long time on something tiring or boring.
Usage tip
Often used with 'at' to indicate what someone is working on: 'slave away at something'. Carries a sense of complaint or resentment about overwork. Can be used with self-deprecating humor. Sensitive note: the metaphor draws on the concept of slavery; some speakers avoid it.
Words that pair with "slave away"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
kitchen desk project all day for hours thanklessly
How to conjugate "slave away"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
slave away
I/you/we/they
3rd person
slaves away
he/she/it
Past simple
slaved away
yesterday
Past participle
slaved away
have + pp
-ing form
slaving away
continuous
Hear "slave away" in the wild
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