Signification
To work very hard.
Contexte culturel
In Russia, the horse is a symbol of endurance and is deeply embedded in rural history. Many European cultures use similar animal metaphors, though the specific animal varies by local history. In China and Korea, the ox is the primary symbol of hard, patient labor. Donkeys are often used in these idioms, reflecting their role in rural transport and labor.
Use it for empathy
Use this phrase to show you understand someone else's hard work.
Avoid in formal emails
Never use this in a professional email to a client or boss.
Signification
To work very hard.
Use it for empathy
Use this phrase to show you understand someone else's hard work.
Avoid in formal emails
Never use this in a professional email to a client or boss.
Combine with time
Add 'весь день' or 'всю неделю' to make the phrase more impactful.
Teste-toi
Fill in the blank with the correct form of the idiom.
Я так устал, я всю неделю работал как ________.
The idiom is 'работать как лошадь'.
Choose the sentence that correctly uses the idiom.
Which sentence is correct?
This sentence uses the idiom in an informal, appropriate context.
Match the Russian phrase with its English meaning.
Match the following:
The idiom means to work hard.
Complete the dialogue.
A: Why are you so tired? B: ________.
The idiom explains why the speaker is tired.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesЯ так устал, я всю неделю работал как ________.
The idiom is 'работать как лошадь'.
Which sentence is correct?
This sentence uses the idiom in an informal, appropriate context.
Associez chaque element a gauche avec son pair a droite :
The idiom means to work hard.
A: Why are you so tired? B: ________.
The idiom explains why the speaker is tired.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsYes, it works for both physical and mental labor.
No, it's a standard idiom, not an insult.
Yes, if you are talking about a group of people.
No, it's the same for men and women.
Then this phrase is not for you.
Yes, it appears in many books to describe characters' struggles.
No, it's too informal.
Yes, it's very similar to 'work like a dog'.
It ends with a soft 'd' sound.
Only at the start of a sentence.
Expressions liées
Пахать как лошадь
synonymTo plow like a horse
Вкалывать как лошадь
synonymTo toil like a horse
Работать до седьмого пота
similarTo work until the seventh sweat
Гнуть спину
similarTo bend one's back
