work my arse off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work my arse off" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in informal contexts.
It can be used to express that someone is putting in a lot of effort or hard work into a task or job. Example: "I've been working my arse off to meet the project deadline, and I hope it pays off."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He says he has a duty to "work my arse off" to repay Leesa's unstinting support.

The Guardian

I work my arse off, and I struggle to know what to do on days off, but I am not a workaholic.

The Guardian - Music

These people making these unfounded comments about my disability have never asked what's wrong with me so how could they possibly know?" "The reason my lactic threshold is high is because I work my arse off for it.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Worked my arse off".

The Guardian - Music

And I'm working my arse off," he grins.

Independent

I was working my arse off and getting so much hassle from my partner.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After failing A-levels, Hand has thrived on his course, and "worked my arse off".

The Guardian

"I haven't 'broken through', I've been working my arse off for the last 14 years.

The Guardian - Film

I worked my arse off but I had lots of fun along the way".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Publican John Doyle said: "I've worked my arse off under your regime and I'm going to go bankrupt again for a second time around".

The Guardian

I've worked my arse off and I've made it, but I don't intend to be the richest corpse in the cemetery".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work my arse off" in informal settings where strong emphasis is desired. It effectively conveys a sense of intense effort and dedication.

Common error

Avoid using "work my arse off" in formal documents or professional communications. The phrase's vulgarity can be considered inappropriate and damage credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work my arse off" functions as a verb phrase emphasizing the intensity of effort exerted by the speaker. Ludwig confirms its usability, particularly in informal contexts. It highlights a strong commitment to hard work.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Music

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "work my arse off" is a common, informal expression used to convey intense effort and dedication. While grammatically correct, it is generally unsuitable for formal or professional settings. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English, especially in informal contexts. Alternative phrases like "work my tail off" or "work my butt off" can be used in more formal contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, Music and Lifestyle contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

work my tail off

Replaces "arse" with "tail", a slightly milder and more common expression.

work my butt off

Substitutes "arse" with "butt", making it more acceptable in formal contexts.

work my socks off

An idiom indicating hard work, using a different metaphor.

bust my chops

An informal phrase indicating hard labor, differing in tone.

slave away

Emphasizes the laborious and often unpleasant nature of the work.

grind away

Focuses on the continuous and often tedious nature of the effort.

put in a lot of effort

A more formal and neutral way to express significant effort.

exert myself greatly

A highly formal alternative, suitable for professional writing.

go the extra mile

Highlights exceeding expectations through dedication.

make every effort

Emphasizes the intention and commitment to working hard.

FAQs

What does it mean to "work my arse off"?

To "work my arse off" means to work very hard and put a lot of effort into something. It expresses dedication and intense effort toward a goal.

Is it appropriate to say "work my arse off" in a formal setting?

No, the phrase "work my arse off" is generally considered inappropriate for formal settings due to its vulgar nature. It is better suited for informal conversations or casual writing.

What are some less offensive alternatives to "work my arse off"?

You can use alternatives like "work my tail off", "work my butt off", or "work my socks off" to express the same idea without using offensive language.

How can I use "work my arse off" in a sentence?

You can use "work my arse off" in a sentence like this: "I had to work my arse off to meet the deadline for this project."