# hammer away

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hammer-away
Updated: 2026-10-22

## Definition

to work very hard and continuously at a task for a long time. You use this when someone is putting in a lot of effort to finish something difficult.

For teachers: To work persistently and energetically at a task. Intransitive; frequently collocates with the preposition 'at' to specify the activity or project.

## Examples

- He is hammering away at his report to finish it on time.
- Even though the math problem was difficult, she kept hammering away at it until she finally found the correct answer.
- The investigative journalists continued to hammer away at the corruption scandal, despite facing significant pressure from the administration to cease their inquiries.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He is hammering away his project." but "He is hammering away at his project." — The phrasal verb is intransitive and requires the preposition 'at' to introduce the object of the work.

## Usage notes

- Usually followed by the preposition 'at' when you mention the specific task or project.
- Teaching tip: Use the physical image of a hammer hitting a nail repeatedly to anchor the concept of repetitive, persistent effort.

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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.