Work like a horse Meaning in English
expression
ˈwɝk/ /ˈɫaɪk/ /ˈeɪ/, /ə/ /ˈhɔɹs
WURK lyk uh HORS
wˈɜːk/ /lˈaɪk/ /æɪ/ /hˈɔːs
WURK lyk uh HAWS
Definition
To work very hard and put in a lot of effort, like a strong and tireless animal.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal and somewhat old-fashioned idiom. Often used to praise someone's hard work. Similar idioms: 'work like a dog', 'work your fingers to the bone'. Does not mean working with skill or intelligence, just with great effort.
Spanish: trabajar como un caballoPortuguese (BR): trabalhar como um cavaloPortuguese (PT): trabalhar como um cavaloChinese (Simplified): 像马一样工作Chinese (Traditional): 像馬一樣工作Hindi: घोड़े की तरह मेहनत करनाArabic: يعمل كالحصانBengali: ঘোড়ার মতো খাটা - প্রচণ্ড পরিশ্রম করাRussian: пахать как лошадь - работать как лошадьJapanese: 馬車馬のように働く - 休みなく働くVietnamese: làm việc như trâu - làm việc như ngựaKorean: 말처럼 일하다 - 죽도록 일하다Turkish: at gibi çalışmakUrdu: گھوڑے کی طرح کام کرنا - جان توڑ محنت کرناIndonesian: bekerja keras seperti kuda
Example Sentences
My father works like a horse every day.
basic
She worked like a horse to finish the project on time.
basic
They work like horses during harvest season.
basic
If you work like a horse, you deserve a good rest.
natural
You’ve been working like a horse lately—are you okay?
natural
No wonder he's exhausted—he works like a horse all week long.
natural