What does “Work your socks off” mean?
"Work your socks off" means to work very hard.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I had to work my socks off to finish the project on time.
Example
She worked her socks off to earn that promotion.
Example
He's always working his socks off to provide for his family
Is “Work your socks off” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Work your socks off” 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 socks off” effectively in context?
You can use "Work your socks off" to emphasize the idea of working extremely hard. It's often used to describe putting in a lot of effort and dedication towards a task or goal. For example, if someone asks you how you achieved success in your career, you might say, 'I worked my socks off to get where I am today.'
- 1Academic
She had to work her socks off to pass all her exams and graduate with honors.
- 2Sports
The team worked their socks off during training to improve their performance for the upcoming match.
- 3Entrepreneurship
He's working his socks off to launch his own business and make it successful.
Similar phrases to “Work your socks off”:
Sweat blood
To work extremely hard and put in a lot of effort
Example
He sweated blood to finish the project on time.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Work your socks off” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Work your socks off" is unknown.
Is “Work your socks off” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Work your socks off" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express the level of effort and dedication they put into their work or to describe someone who is known for their hard work.
What tone does “Work your socks off” have?
"Work your socks off" conveys a tone of determination and perseverance. It implies going above and beyond what is expected and giving your all to achieve a goal.
Can “Work your socks off” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "work your socks off" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that emphasizes hard work and dedication. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as interviews, presentations, or professional emails.
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 worked her socks off to meet the deadline.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "work your socks off"!' to imply readiness for hard work.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- work your fingers to the bone
- give it your all
- put your nose to the grindstone
- put in maximum effort
- exert yourself
Antonyms
- take it easy
- coast
- slack off
- be lazy
- do the bare minimum
