work my tail off

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "work my tail off" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express that someone is putting in a lot of effort or hard work into a task or job. Example: "I have been working my tail off to meet the project deadline, and I hope my efforts will be recognized."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

"I work my tail off in the off-season".

The New York Times - Sports

I only know how to fight and work my tail off to get out of it.

The New York Times - Sports

"I try to stay humble and realize I've got to work my tail off," Pettitte said.

The New York Times - Sports

"That's why I work my tail off and lift all those weights, hit all those balls and spend those countless hours out there — to be in that position".

The New York Times - Sports

I always try to bring positive attitude, I try to work my tail off, study tons of film, take tons of notes.

The New York Times - Sports

"All I can do is work my tail off and try to make smart choices based on the advice of smart people".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

I worked my tail off for him.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I worked my tail off for them".

The New York Times

Mr. Eisenman said: "I worked my tail off on this house.

The New York Times

"I'm a guy who worked my tail off to get Carlos Delgado".

The New York Times

But it means I worked my tail off for 19 years, and now it's my first World Series.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "work my tail off" to emphasize the intensity of effort being exerted, particularly in situations where a more informal and relatable tone is appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "work my tail off" in highly formal or professional contexts where a more direct and less colloquial expression of effort might be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "work my tail off" functions as a verb phrase acting as the predicate of a sentence. It is an idiomatic expression meaning to work extremely hard. Ludwig's examples confirm that the phrase is used to convey the speaker's intense effort and commitment to a task.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Sports

32%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "work my tail off" is a common expression used to describe working extremely hard. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and appropriateness in informal settings. While often found in news and sports contexts, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "work extremely hard" in professional or academic environments. The phrase effectively emphasizes intense effort and dedication. The reliable sources, such as The New York Times and Huffington Post, contribute to a high source quality score.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Work extremely hard

Replaces the idiomatic expression with a more direct description of effort.

Exert maximum effort

Emphasizes the intensity of the work being done.

Put in a great deal of effort

Formally expresses the amount of work invested.

Give it one's all

Focuses on the completeness of the effort given.

Apply oneself diligently

Highlights the focus and perseverance in the work.

Strain every nerve

Highlights the physical and mental effort involved.

Go all out

Suggests giving something your complete and undivided attention and effort.

Try one's best

Emphasizes the intention to perform at the highest level.

Break one's back

Implies enduring great physical hardship while working.

Knuckle down

Indicates applying oneself seriously and diligently to a task.

FAQs

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

You can use "work my tail off" to describe putting in a lot of effort into something. For example, "I'm going to "work my tail off" to finish this project on time."

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

To "work my tail off" means to work extremely hard and put in a significant amount of effort into a task or activity.

Which is more formal, "work my tail off" or "work very hard"?

"Work very hard" is more formal. "Work my tail off" is an idiom and is better suited for informal contexts. Use alternatives like "exert maximum effort" or "apply oneself diligently" in formal settings.

What can I say instead of "work my tail off"?

You can use alternatives like "work extremely hard", "exert maximum effort", or "put in a great deal of effort depending on the context".