piece of work

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.

chess piece

A person being manipulated by another, being used to some end.

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 work

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

do the work

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

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

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