dirty work

air one's dirty laundry in public

To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.

air one's dirty linen in public

Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.

busy work

Work or activity performed with the intention or result of occupying time, and not necessarily to accomplish something productive; routine work of low priority undertaken for the sake of avoiding idleness.

close enough for government work

Adequate; acceptable as government work, imperfect but not worth the time nor effort of improving.

crazy enough to work

Acknowledging that an idea, plan, or strategy seems foolish, implausible, or risky, yet might succeed precisely because of its unconventional or unexpected nature.

detective work

investigative research

dirty laundry

Unflattering or embarrassing facts, or questionable activities that one wants to remain secret, but which someone else may use as blackmail.

dirty look

An unpleasant or disdainful look or expression, often directed at someone.