# grind away

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/grind-away
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to keep working hard at a difficult or boring task for a long time.

For teachers: to work laboriously and persistently at a task, often one that is repetitive or mentally taxing; implies a sense of slow, steady progress through effort.

## Examples

- He continues to grind away at his thesis every night.
- Even though the project was exhausting, she kept grinding away until every detail was perfect.
- The researchers spent years grinding away in the laboratory before they finally achieved a breakthrough in renewable energy storage.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is grinding away his homework." but "He is grinding away at his homework." — the preposition 'at' is necessary to connect the action to the specific task being performed.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by the preposition 'at' plus the task or project.
- Teaching tip: the verb 'grind' suggests the friction and effort of a machine; use this to help students visualize the 'slow but steady' nature of the work compared to 'rush'.

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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.