# slug away

CEFR C1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/slug-away
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

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.

For teachers: 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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.