slave away
B1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words
To work very, very hard for a long time on something tiring or boring.
Literal meaning: To work like a slave — to perform hard labor without reward or rest.
Meanings
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."
Grammar: inseparable
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."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
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.
Commonly used with
kitchen desk project all day for hours thanklessly
Forms
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
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