What does “Work your fingers to the bone” mean?
"Work your fingers to the bone" means to work extremely hard or put in a lot of effort.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I've been working my fingers to the bone to meet this deadline.
Example
He worked his fingers to the bone to build his business from scratch.
Example
She's always working her fingers to the bone to provide for her family
Is “Work your fingers to the bone” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Work your fingers to the bone” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Work your fingers to the bone” effectively in context?
You can use "Work your fingers to the bone" to describe a situation where someone is working extremely hard or putting in a lot of effort. It emphasizes the level of dedication and perseverance. For example, if a friend is studying day and night for an important exam, you might say, 'She's been working her fingers to the bone to pass that test.'
- 1Work
I've been working my fingers to the bone to meet this deadline.
- 2Entrepreneurship
He worked his fingers to the bone to build his business from scratch.
- 3Family
She's always working her fingers to the bone to provide for her family.
Similar phrases to “Work your fingers to the bone”:
Sweat blood
To work extremely hard or put in a lot of effort
Example
They sweated blood to make the event a success.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Work your fingers to the bone” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Work your fingers to the bone" is unknown.
Is “Work your fingers to the bone” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Work your fingers to the bone" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe situations where they or someone else is putting in a tremendous amount of effort or working very hard.
What tone does “Work your fingers to the bone” have?
"Work your fingers to the bone" conveys a tone of dedication and hard work. It's often used to acknowledge and admire someone's strong work ethic and commitment.
Can “Work your fingers to the bone” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Work your fingers to the bone" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a high level of effort and dedication. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She's been working her fingers to the bone to achieve her goals.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I've been "working my fingers to the bone"!' to express exhaustion or emphasize hard work.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- work your socks off
- put in the hours
- give it your all
- bust your chops
- grind away
Antonyms
- take it easy
- relax
- slack off
- take a break
- kick back
