labor of love

/lˈeɪbəɹ ɒv lˈʌv/

/lˈeɪbɚɹ ʌv lˈʌv/

[phrase]

labor of love

[PHRASE]

a task that is done only for the sake of one's pleasure and not for any rewards of any kind

What is the origin of the idiom "labor of love" and when to use it?

The idiom "labor of love" originated from the combination of two concepts: "labor," which refers to work or effort, and "love," which signifies deep affection or passion. The idiom is used to emphasize that the motivation behind an endeavor comes from a personal sense of fulfillment, enjoyment, or commitment, rather than external factors.

Examples

1. But despite the ever-increasing prices of the modernist masterpieces, for 99% of the artists out there, their work has always been a labor of love.

2. It's a labor of love.

3. It's a labor of love.

4. Running the animal shelter is a labor of love for Jane.