I just work here
Indicates that the speaker cannot answer their interrogator's question, because of lack of experience with or knowledge on the topic.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Don't ask me about the new rules; I just work here.”
“When the customer demanded to know why the store policy changed, the clerk simply replied that I just work here.”
“Faced with the angry board members, the junior assistant offered no explanation for the budget cuts, stating only that I just work here.”
The phrase emerged as *I only work here* and has been attested in the English lexicon since at least the 1950s.
- 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.
- 02
close enough for government work
Adequate; acceptable as government work, imperfect but not worth the time nor effort of improving.
- 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.
- 04
detective work
investigative research
- 05
dirty work
One or more unpleasant tasks, assignments, or employment duties, especially those of a disreputable or illicit nature.
- 06
do the work
To take part in social justice activism; to fight against racism, oppression, etc.
- 07
don't call me sir, I work for a living
Used by senior enlisted military personnel to indicate that they are not commissioned officers.
- 08
donkey work
Work that is difficult, boring, and routine.
Last updated August 10, 2026