Work like a mule Meaning in English
expression
ˈwɝk/ /ˈɫaɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈmjuɫ
WURK-LIKE-uh-MYOOL
wˈɜːk/ /lˈaɪk/ /æɪ/ /mjˈuːl
WURK-LIKE-uh-MYOOL
Definition
To work very hard, especially at physical or exhausting tasks, similar to how a mule (an animal) works tirelessly.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and often slightly humorous or empathetic. Implies long hours or physically demanding work. Common alternatives are 'work like a dog' or 'slave away'. Usually used in negative or sympathetic contexts.
Spanish: trabajar como un burroPortuguese (BR): trabalhar como um burroPortuguese (PT): trabalhar como um burroChinese (Simplified): 像骡子一样干活Chinese (Traditional): 像騾子一樣工作Hindi: खच्चर की तरह मेहनत करनाArabic: يعمل كالحمارBengali: গাধার মতো কাজ করা - অক্লান্ত পরিশ্রম করাRussian: пахать как мул - работать как лошадьJapanese: ラバのように働く - 必死に働くVietnamese: làm việc như con la - làm việc cực nhọcKorean: 노새처럼 일하다 - 죽도록 일하다Turkish: katır gibi çalışmak - köle gibi çalışmakUrdu: خچر کی طرح کام کرنا - انتھک محنت کرناIndonesian: kerja seperti keledai - kerja keras sekali
Example Sentences
My father used to work like a mule when he was young.
basic
She works like a mule every day to support her family.
basic
Farmers often work like a mule during harvest season.
basic
I've been working like a mule all week, and I'm completely exhausted.
natural
You don’t have to work like a mule—take a break sometimes!
natural
I’m tired of working like a mule and not getting any recognition.
natural