ENGLISH
REFERENCE

do the work

idiom
Meaning

To take part in social justice activism; to fight against racism, oppression, etc.


Examples
SIMPLE

You must do the work to understand these social issues.

CONTEXTUAL

Reading books is a good start, but you must do the work if you want to help change the system.

COMPLEX

True progress requires more than just performative gestures; it demands that individuals consistently do the work to dismantle deep-seated prejudices within their own communities.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    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.

  2. 02

    close enough for government work

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

  3. 03

    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.

  4. 04

    detective work

    investigative research

  5. 05

    dirty work

    One or more unpleasant tasks, assignments, or employment duties, especially those of a disreputable or illicit nature.

  6. 06

    don't call me sir, I work for a living

    Used by senior enlisted military personnel to indicate that they are not commissioned officers.

  7. 07

    donkey work

    Work that is difficult, boring, and routine.

  8. 08

    go to work

    To beat up, to batter.

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