at it
Quarreling or toiling
Engaged in some activity, often with persistence or intensity.
The phrase leaves the activity unspecified, letting context fill it: They've been at it for hours might mean working, arguing, or having sex.
Still at it? asks whether someone continues doing what they were doing.
The vagueness makes it useful for discretion or euphemism.
- persistingContinuing through difficulty
- occupiedCurrently in use
- doingCarrying out an action
- busyActively occupied with tasks
- tryingCausing strain or frustration
having a go · quarreling · addressing · striving · working · on the job · rutting · performing · continuing · persevering · pursuing · shagging · bickering · tackling · engaging · in the zone · handling · plugging