peg away
Work without stopping
To peg away is to work steadily and persistently at something, especially a tedious or difficult task: She pegged away at her dissertation for three years.
The phrase suggests dogged effort rather than inspiration—plugging along through sheer determination.
British speakers sometimes add "at it": Just keep pegging away at it.
Strenuous, prolonged effort
- laborStrenuous effort; also childbirth
- work hardExpend serious effort
- grindCrush into particles
- slogLaborious persistent effort
plod · exertion · drudgery · endeavor · strive · struggle · sweat · hustle
Continue despite obstacles
- persistContinue firmly onward
- keep at itContinue trying steadily
- stick with itContinue despite difficulty
- carry onContinue doing something
press on · push forward · stay the course · hang in there · keep going · doggedness · tenacity · determination
Remain intact despite pressure
- bearLarge furry omnivore
- endureSuffer through without yielding
- toleratePermit without approval
- weatherAtmospheric state outdoors
cope · soldier on · tough it out · hang tough · grit your teeth · stick it out · keep your head down · see it through
toil
Strenuous, prolonged effort
slog · plod · exertion · drudgery · endeavor · strive · struggle · sweat · hustle · elbow grease
persevere
Continue despite obstacles
- persistContinue firmly onward
- keep at itContinue trying steadily
- stick with itContinue despite difficulty
carry on · press on · push forward · stay the course · hang in there · keep going · doggedness · tenacity · determination · steadfastness
withstand
Remain intact despite pressure
weather · cope · soldier on · tough it out · hang tough · grit your teeth · stick it out · keep your head down · see it through · dig in