Top 25 Slang For Effort – Meaning & Usage

Putting in effort is always commendable, but sometimes it’s not about the result, it’s about the slang for effort. Whether you’re looking for a way to describe someone’s attempt that fell short or want to give a shoutout to a friend who went above and beyond, we’ve got you covered. Our team has scoured the depths of the English language to bring you a list of the most creative and hilarious phrases that perfectly capture the essence of trying your best. Get ready to up your slang game and show off your linguistic skills with this entertaining collection.

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1. Hustle

This term refers to putting in a lot of effort and working hard to achieve a goal. It often implies that someone is willing to go the extra mile and do whatever it takes to succeed.

  • For example, a motivational speaker might say, “Success requires hustle and dedication.”
  • In a discussion about entrepreneurship, someone might say, “You have to hustle if you want to build a successful business.”
  • A coach might encourage their team by saying, “Keep hustling on the field and giving it your all.”

2. Grind

This term is used to describe the act of consistently putting in effort and working hard over a long period of time. It implies that success is achieved through perseverance and dedication.

  • For instance, a student might say, “I have to grind every day to keep up with my studies.”
  • In the context of a professional career, someone might say, “I’ve been grinding for years to get to where I am now.”
  • A musician might describe their journey by saying, “I spent years grinding, playing in small venues before I got my big break.”

3. Grit

Grit refers to the ability to persevere and overcome challenges with determination and resilience. It implies having a strong will and not giving up easily.

  • For example, a coach might say, “You need to have grit if you want to succeed in sports.”
  • In a discussion about personal development, someone might say, “Developing grit is essential for achieving long-term goals.”
  • A motivational speaker might encourage their audience by saying, “Remember, success is about having the grit to keep going even when things get tough.”

4. Sweat

This term refers to putting in physical or mental effort to accomplish a task. It often implies working up a sweat, either literally or metaphorically.

  • For instance, a personal trainer might say, “If you want to see results, you have to put in the sweat at the gym.”
  • In a discussion about studying, someone might say, “I’m sweating over this exam, but I know it’ll be worth it.”
  • A chef might describe their cooking process by saying, “I always sweat over the stove to create the perfect dish.”

5. Blood, sweat, and tears

This phrase represents the idea of putting in immense effort and making sacrifices to achieve a goal. It implies that someone is willing to go through physical and emotional challenges to succeed.

  • For example, a coach might say, “To win this championship, we’ll need to give it our blood, sweat, and tears.”
  • In a discussion about pursuing a dream, someone might say, “I’m willing to give it my blood, sweat, and tears to make it happen.”
  • A performer might describe their intense preparation for a show by saying, “I poured my blood, sweat, and tears into every rehearsal.”

6. Putting your back into it

This phrase means to exert a lot of physical or mental effort in order to achieve a goal.

  • For example, a coach might say to their team, “We need to put our backs into it if we want to win this game.”
  • A teacher might encourage their students by saying, “I want to see you putting your back into your studies.”
  • A friend might say to another, “You really put your back into that project and it turned out great.”

7. Digging deep

This phrase means to tap into one’s inner reserves of strength or determination in order to overcome a challenge.

  • For instance, an athlete might say, “I had to dig deep to finish the race.”
  • A person going through a difficult time might say, “I’m digging deep to stay positive.”
  • A motivational speaker might say, “When life gets tough, dig deep and keep going.”

8. Leaving it all on the field

This phrase means to give one’s maximum effort or energy to a task or endeavor, leaving nothing behind.

  • For example, a soccer player might say, “I gave it my all and left it all on the field.”
  • A performer might say, “I want to leave it all on the stage tonight.”
  • A student might say, “I have a big test tomorrow, so I’m going to leave it all on the field when studying.”

9. Putting your nose to the grindstone

This phrase means to work diligently and with great focus.

  • For instance, a boss might say to their employee, “It’s time to put your nose to the grindstone and finish this project.”
  • A student might say, “I have a lot of studying to do, so I’m going to put my nose to the grindstone.”
  • A friend might encourage another by saying, “You’ve got this! Put your nose to the grindstone and you’ll achieve your goals.”

10. Leaving no stone unturned

This phrase means to thoroughly search or investigate every option or avenue in order to achieve a desired outcome.

  • For example, a detective might say, “We need to leave no stone unturned in this investigation.”
  • A job seeker might say, “I’m leaving no stone unturned in my search for employment.”
  • A person preparing for an exam might say, “I’m leaving no stone unturned in my study routine.”

11. Straining every sinew

This phrase means putting in maximum effort or exerting oneself to the fullest extent. It implies pushing oneself to the limits physically or mentally.

  • For example, a coach might say to their team, “I want to see you straining every sinew out on that field.”
  • In a job interview, a candidate might say, “I am willing to strain every sinew to excel in this role.”
  • A friend encouraging another might say, “You can do it! Strain every sinew and give it your best shot!”

12. Busting your chops

This slang phrase means putting in a lot of effort or working very hard to achieve a goal. It can also imply facing challenges or obstacles along the way.

  • For instance, a coworker might say, “You’ve been busting your chops to meet that deadline.”
  • In a conversation about studying, a student might say, “I’ve been busting my chops to get good grades.”
  • A parent might tell their child, “If you want to succeed, you’ll have to bust your chops and put in the effort.”

13. Grinding it out

This phrase means to persistently work hard and put in the necessary effort to achieve a goal, especially when facing challenging or tedious tasks.

  • For example, a marathon runner might say, “I’m grinding it out mile after mile.”
  • In a conversation about a demanding job, someone might say, “I’ve been grinding it out at work all week.”
  • A student studying for exams might say, “I need to grind it out and study every day to succeed.”

14. Leaving no room for error

This phrase means taking extra precautions and being meticulous in order to avoid making mistakes or errors. It implies leaving little to no margin for error.

  • For instance, a surgeon might say, “During a delicate procedure, I have to leave no room for error.”
  • In a discussion about a critical project, someone might say, “We need to leave no room for error and double-check every detail.”
  • A perfectionist might say, “I always strive to leave no room for error in my work.”

15. Giving it your best shot

This phrase means giving something your utmost effort or doing the best you can in a particular situation. It implies putting in maximum effort and trying your hardest.

  • For example, a student might say, “I may not know all the answers, but I’ll give it my best shot.”
  • In a conversation about a challenging task, someone might say, “I’ll give it my best shot and see what happens.”
  • A coach might encourage their team by saying, “Go out there and give it your best shot, no matter the outcome.”

16. Going for broke

This phrase means to put in maximum effort or take a big risk in order to achieve success. It often implies a willingness to go all out and give it your best shot, even if it means potentially losing everything.

  • For example, a basketball player might say, “I’m going for broke in this game, leaving it all on the court.”
  • In a business context, someone might say, “We’re going for broke with this new product launch, investing all our resources into its success.”
  • A student might say, “I’m going for broke on this final exam, studying day and night to get the best grade possible.”

17. Going above and beyond

This phrase means to do more than what is required or expected. It implies going the extra mile and putting in additional effort to achieve a higher level of success or satisfaction.

  • For instance, an employee might say, “I always go above and beyond in my job, taking on extra tasks and staying late when needed.”
  • A student might say, “I want to stand out, so I go above and beyond on every assignment, doing extra research and adding creative elements.”
  • A volunteer might say, “I go above and beyond to help others, always looking for ways to make a bigger impact.”

18. Giving it a hundred and ten percent

This phrase means to give your absolute best effort, surpassing the standard 100% effort. It emphasizes the idea of going above and beyond what is expected or required.

  • For example, an athlete might say, “I always give it a hundred and ten percent in every game, pushing myself to the limit.”
  • In a work setting, someone might say, “I’m dedicated to my job and always give it a hundred and ten percent, striving for excellence.”
  • A student might say, “I know I can do better, so I give it a hundred and ten percent on every assignment, studying hard and seeking feedback.”

19. Putting in the hours

This phrase means to dedicate a significant amount of time and effort to a task or job. It implies putting in the necessary hours of work in order to achieve success or meet a goal.

  • For instance, a freelancer might say, “I’m putting in the hours to meet this tight deadline, working late nights and weekends.”
  • In a discussion about success, someone might say, “It’s not just about talent, it’s about putting in the hours and consistently working hard.”
  • A student might say, “I know I need to put in the hours to ace this exam, so I’m studying every day and seeking extra help.”

20. Sweating it out

This phrase means to put in a lot of effort and work hard, often in challenging or difficult circumstances. It implies a sense of perseverance and determination despite the obstacles.

  • For example, an entrepreneur might say, “I’m sweating it out to make my business successful, working long hours and overcoming obstacles.”
  • In a fitness context, someone might say, “I’m sweating it out at the gym every day, pushing myself to achieve my fitness goals.”
  • A student might say, “I’m sweating it out to get good grades, studying late into the night and seeking extra help when needed.”

21. Going to town

This phrase means to put in a lot of effort or work very hard towards a task or goal. It suggests giving maximum effort and not holding back.

  • For example, “I really went to town on my presentation and it paid off.”
  • Someone might say, “She’s going to town on her workout and getting great results.”
  • In a conversation about cleaning, a person might say, “I went to town on scrubbing the floors and they look brand new now.”

22. Giving it a good go

This phrase means to try your best or give something your best shot. It implies putting in a genuine and earnest effort, even if the outcome is uncertain.

  • For instance, “I gave the interview a good go, but I’m not sure if I’ll get the job.”
  • Someone might say, “I’m going to give this recipe a good go and see if it turns out delicious.”
  • In a discussion about a challenging task, a person might say, “I know it’s difficult, but let’s give it a good go and see what happens.”

23. Putting in the legwork

This phrase means to put in the initial effort or work required to achieve a goal. It suggests doing the necessary preparation or groundwork before moving forward with a project or task.

  • For example, “Before starting a business, you need to put in the legwork of researching the market.”
  • Someone might say, “I’ve been putting in the legwork by practicing every day to improve my skills.”
  • In a conversation about planning a trip, a person might say, “I’ll put in the legwork of finding the best deals on flights and accommodations.”

24. Going hammer and tongs

This phrase means to work or exert oneself with great energy and enthusiasm. It implies giving everything you have and not holding back during a task or activity.

  • For instance, “She went hammer and tongs on the dance floor, giving an amazing performance.”
  • Someone might say, “I’m going hammer and tongs on this project to meet the deadline.”
  • In a discussion about a sports match, a person might say, “Both teams are going hammer and tongs, giving it their all to win.”

25. Burning calories

This phrase refers to the act of engaging in physical activity to burn calories and lose weight. It implies putting in effort and working hard to achieve a desired fitness goal.

  • For example, “I went for a run this morning and burned a lot of calories.”
  • Someone might say, “Let’s do a high-intensity workout to really burn some calories.”
  • In a conversation about weight loss, a person might say, “I’ve been burning calories through regular exercise and healthy eating.”
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