# work one's fingers to the bone

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/work-ones-fingers-to-the-bone
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To work especially hard, usually for an extended period.

## Examples

- She works her fingers to the bone to pay the bills.
- He worked his fingers to the bone all summer to save enough money for his university tuition.
- Despite working her fingers to the bone for years to build the company, she received very little recognition for her tireless efforts.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.