ENGLISH
REFERENCE

labor of love

idiom
Meaning

A task performed voluntarily without expectation of reimbursement; an altruistic work or undertaking.


Origin

disputed origin

Calque of Koine Greek κόπου τῆς ἀγάπης (kópou tês agápēs), from the New Testament epistles 1 Thessalonians and Hebrews

Examples
SIMPLE

Restoring this old car is a labor of love for my father.

CONTEXTUAL

She spent months writing her novel without a publisher, viewing the entire project as a labor of love.

COMPLEX

The architect dedicated years to the restoration of the historic chapel, treating the meticulous project as a true labor of love.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    first love

    The thing, place, or activity of which one is fondest; one's most fundamental interest or attachment.

  2. 02

    for the love of the game

    Doing something for one's own enjoyment or other intrinsic desire to do so; not for other reasons such as money or other ulterior motives.

  3. 03

    labour the point

    To continue to discuss or explain something excessively or repetitively to the point that it may bore or annoy the listener.

  4. 04

    love at first sight

    an instantaneous attraction

  5. 05

    love away

    To resolve conflicts and emotional pain through love and intimacy.

  6. 06

    love buzz

    The feeling of love, butterflies in your stomach.

  7. 07

    love goggles

    Blindness to criticism or objectivity directed at a person with whom one is in love.

  8. 08

    love muscle

    the heart

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