What does “Work your tail off” mean?
"Work your tail off" means to work extremely hard.
What context can I use the in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
Example
I had to work my tail off to finish the project on time.
I had to work my tail off to finish the project on time.
Example
She worked her tail off to earn that promotion.
She worked her tail off to earn that promotion.
Example
He's always working his tail off to achieve his goals
He's always working his tail off to achieve his goals
Is “Work your tail off” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Work your tail 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 tail off” effectively in context?
You can use "Work your tail off" to emphasize the idea of working extremely hard. It's often used to describe putting in a lot of effort and dedication to achieve a goal or complete a task. For example, if someone asks you how you managed to finish a project on time, you could say, 'I had to work my tail off to meet the deadline.'
- 1Education
She worked her tail off to get straight A's in school.
She worked her tail off to get straight A's in school.
- 2Sports
He works his tail off during practice to improve his skills.
He works his tail off during practice to improve his skills.
- 3Career
Despite the challenges, she worked her tail off to become a successful entrepreneur.
Despite the challenges, she worked her tail off to become a successful entrepreneur.
Similar phrases to “Work your tail off”:
Sweat blood
To work extremely hard and put in a lot of effort
Example
He sweated blood to meet the deadline.
He sweated blood to meet the deadline.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Work your tail off” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Work your tail off" is unknown.
Is “Work your tail off” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Work your tail off" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe their own or someone else's hard work and dedication.
What tone does “Work your tail off” have?
"Work your tail off" conveys a tone of determination and perseverance. It's often used to praise someone's strong work ethic and commend their efforts.
Can “Work your tail off” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "work your tail 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 tail off to achieve her goals.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "work your tail off"!' to imply the need for hard work.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- work your fingers to the bone
- hustle
- grind
- give it your all
- put your nose to the grindstone
Antonyms
- take it easy
- relax
- coast
- slack off
- take a break
