English Reference

Phrasal verb

slug away

Definition

phrasal verb. to work very hard at something difficult or boring for a long time. You use this when you are making slow but steady progress through a tough task.

phrasal verb. to work persistently and laboriously at a task, especially one that is tedious or physically demanding. The verb is intransitive and carries a connotation of dogged perseverance despite a lack of excitement.

Examples

“I've been slugging away at this report all morning.”

“Even though the project was exhausting, he continued to slug away until every detail was perfect.”

“While his peers sought rapid advancement through networking, he was content to slug away in the laboratory, eventually producing a breakthrough that stunned the faculty.”

Examples

simple

“I've been slugging away at this report all morning.”

contextual

“Even though the project was exhausting, he continued to slug away until every detail was perfect.”

complex

“While his peers sought rapid advancement through networking, he was content to slug away in the laboratory, eventually producing a breakthrough that stunned the faculty.”

Usage

usually followed by the preposition 'at' plus the task or object of the work.

Teaching tip

connect the verb to the noun 'slug' (a hard hit in boxing) to show the sense of 'hitting' a task repeatedly; contrast with 'slog away', which is more common in British English and nearly identical in meaning.

Phrasal verb

Particles

away

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

slug + away (+ at + object)

Synonyms

plug awayslog awaygrindkeep at it

Antonyms

slack offgive upidle

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
Level
C1 · Advanced
Updated

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