Definition

Verb: 1. To work persistently and diligently: To continue working hard at a task, especially one that is difficult or tedious, without giving up. 2. To persevere doggedly: To apply steady, determined effort over a long period.

Usage

The verb "plug away" is used to describe consistent, determined effort. It often implies the task is challenging or progress is slow, but the person continues diligently. - It is an intransitive phrasal verb and is typically followed by the preposition "at" when specifying the task. - It is commonly used in informal contexts.

Examples

• She plugged away at her novel for years before finally getting it published.
• Despite the setbacks, the research team continues to plug away at finding a solution.
• If you just plug away at your studies a little each day, you'll be prepared for the exam.

Advanced Usage

• "Plugging away" is often used in the continuous form to emphasize ongoing, sustained effort.
  • He's been plugging away in the garage all weekend, trying to fix the car.

Variants and Related Words

• Plug (verb): In a related sense, "to plug" can mean to work steadily or to promote something persistently.
  • He plugged his new book on every talk show.

Synonyms

• Persevere: To continue in a course of action even in the face of difficulty.
• Persist: To continue firmly in an opinion or a course of action in spite of difficulty.
• Grind away: To work hard at something over a long period (more informal).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Plug into: To connect to a power source or, metaphorically, to become involved with or understand something.
  • It took him a while to plug into the local community.
• Plug up: To block or seal a hole.
  • We need to plug up that leak.

Related Idioms

• Keep one's nose to the grindstone: To work hard and continuously.
  • She kept her nose to the grindstone and finished the project on time. (This idiom is a close conceptual synonym for the persistent effort described by "plug away.")

Verb

1. persist in working hard
   • Students must plug away at this problem
2. work doggedly or persistently
   • She keeps plugging away at her dissertation