work like a nailer
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
To work very hard.
Register: dated
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
Boyce was working away like a nailer at His Grace's colt, an exertion he might have spared himself , but that it is necessary to do something for one's money
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).
Common questions
What does “work like a nailer” mean?
To work very hard.
Is “work like a nailer” formal or informal?
work like a nailer is generally dated.