work like a horse / dog / trojan

/wˈɜːk lˈaɪk ɐ hˈɔːs dˈɒɡ tɹˈəʊdʒən/

/wˈɜːk lˈaɪk ɐ hˈɔːɹs dˈɑːɡ tɹˈoʊdʒən/

[phrase]

to work like a horse / dog / trojan

[PHRASE]

to work exceptionally hard

to [work] like a (horse|dog|Trojan) definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "work like a horse" and when to use it?

The phrase "work like a horse" is believed to have originated in the 17th century, and it is a reference to the hard work and endurance of horses, which were commonly used as draft animals during that time. It is used to describe someone who works very hard, often for long hours and with great dedication. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts.

Examples

1. The farmer worked like a horse during the harvest season, putting in long hours to bring in the crops.

2. The construction crew worked like horses to complete the building on time, even working through the night if necessary.

3. So those could be things like 'John works like a Trojan' or 'the trains run like clockwork'.

4. One thing I know about eastern European employers is when they do moves like that they expect those people to work like a horse the way they did.

Nearby words

take the law into hands

take the plunge

tie the knot

play ducks and drakes with

play hard to get