Slave away Meaning in English

expression

US

ˈsɫeɪv/ /əˈweɪ

SLAYV-uh-WAY

UK

slˈeɪv/ /ɐwˈeɪ

sl-AYV-uh-WAY

Definition

To work very hard for a long time, usually on something difficult or unpleasant.

Usage & Nuances

Informal and often used to describe unpleasant or exhausting work. Usually exaggerates how hard or thankless the work is. Commonly used with "at" or "over" (e.g. slave away at homework).

• Spanish: trabajar como un esclavo - matarse trabajando
• Portuguese (BR): ralar - trabalhar como um escravo
• Portuguese (PT): ralar - trabalhar como um escravo
• Chinese (Simplified): 辛苦劳作 - 拼命工作
• Chinese (Traditional): 辛苦勞作 - 拼命工作
• Hindi: कड़ी मेहनत करना - जी-तोड़ मेहनत करना
• Arabic: يكدح بجدّ - يعمل كالعبد
• Bengali: কঠোর পরিশ্রম করা - বিধ্বস্ত হয়ে কাজ করা
• Russian: вкалывать - пахать
• Japanese: 必死に働く - こき使われる
• Vietnamese: làm việc quần quật - làm việc cực nhọc
• Korean: 뼈 빠지게 일하다 - 죽도록 일하다
• Turkish: köle gibi çalışmak - didinmek
• Urdu: جان توڑ محنت کرنا - انتہائی مشقت کرنا
• Indonesian: bekerja keras - kerja rodi

Example Sentences

I had to slave away in the kitchen all day.

basic

She slaves away at her job but never gets a thank you.

basic

Many students slave away at their homework every night.

basic

I’ve been slaving away on this project for weeks, but it’s finally done.

natural

Why slave away for someone who doesn’t appreciate you?

natural

They slaved away all summer to save up for their trip.

natural