English · Phrasal verb Attested

chug away

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Sense 1

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To move away at a slow, steady pace, especially if making chugging noises.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Di chuyển chậm và đều, đặc biệt là khi tạo ra tiếng động có nhịp điệu

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Where it’s used: Used American English

Locked in such musings as her train chugged away from New York City, the fourteen-year-old suddenly felt overwhelmed with longing for her own family.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To operate continuously, especially if making a low mechanical noise.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Hoạt động liên tục, đặc biệt là khi tạo ra tiếng ồn cơ học thấp

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Both English Tiếng Việt

Meaning · English

To work at something in a steady, dogged manner.

Nghĩa · Tiếng Việt

Làm việc một cách đều đặn và kiên nhẫn

Machine-translated — suggest a fix

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

What does “chug away” mean?

To move away at a slow, steady pace, especially if making chugging noises.

Is “chug away” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.