work / slog / sweat one's guts out

/wˈɜːk wˈɒnz ɡˈʌts ˈaʊt/

/wˈɜːk wˈʌnz ɡˈʌts ˈaʊt/

[phrase]

to work / slog / sweat one's guts out

[PHRASE]

to work really hard to achieve an aim

to [work|slog|sweat] {one's} guts out definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "work one's guts out" and when to use it?

The idiom "work one's guts out" is a vivid and informal expression that originated in the early 20th century. The phrase refers to working extremely hard, to the point of exhaustion, and suggests that one has put all their physical and emotional energy into the task. This phrase is an informal expression that is often used in casual conversation. It can be used to describe any intense or demanding work situation, from manual labor to mental exertion.

Examples

1. After running five miles in the scorching heat, I was sweating my guts out.

2. The hikers slogged their guts out, trekking through the muddy terrain for hours to reach the summit.

3. She worked her guts out to meet the deadline, staying up all night and sacrificing her personal time.

4. He slogged his guts out to complete the report before the deadline, working late into the night for several consecutive days.

Nearby words

reach for the stars

punch above weight

go to the ends of the earth