Definition

Verb: * To work persistently and with determination, often at a task that is difficult, tedious, or takes a long time. It implies steady, unglamorous effort.

Usage

The verb "peg away" is used to describe continuing to work diligently on something, especially when progress is slow or the work is challenging. It often carries a tone of commendable perseverance. * It is typically followed by the preposition "at" to specify the task. * It is an informal phrasal verb.

Examples

• She pegged away at her manuscript for years before it was finally published.
• If you just keep pegging away, you'll eventually master the technique.
• He's been pegging away at that puzzle all afternoon.

Advanced Usage

• The phrase often emphasizes the duration and steady nature of the effort, rather than bursts of intense activity.
• It can be used in continuous tenses to emphasize the ongoing nature of the work.

Variants and Related Words

• Plug away: A near-identical synonym and the more common variant in modern American English. (e.g., )
• Peg (noun): A small pin or bolt. The connection to the phrasal verb is metaphorical, suggesting the repetitive, hammering action of driving in a peg.

Synonyms

• Persevere
• Persist
• Keep at it
• Grind away
• Soldier on
• Stick with it

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Plug away: To work steadily and persistently. (This is the most direct synonym and variant.)
• Grind away: To work hard at something for a long time, often with a stronger implication that the work is monotonous or exhausting.
• Keep at: To continue doing something with effort.

Related Idioms

• Keep one's nose to the grindstone: To work hard and continuously.
• Chip away at: To make slow, steady progress on a large task by completing small parts of it.

Verb

1. work doggedly or persistently
   • She keeps plugging away at her dissertation