work the crowd

beat the crowd

To arrive at a location or complete a task before a large group of people do so.

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.

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.

crowd in on

To join when not wanted; to force one's way into a situation where one is unwelcome.

crowd sail

To carry an unusual amount of sail in an attempt to accelerate the speed of a vessel.

detective work

investigative research

dirty work

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