Top 28 Slang For Worked – Meaning & Usage

Ever been in a situation where you’ve worked hard and need the perfect slang to describe your efforts? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with a list of the coolest and most relatable slang terms for “worked” that will have you nodding in agreement and maybe even chuckling at how spot-on they are. Get ready to level up your work lingo game and impress your colleagues with these trendy phrases.

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1. Grinded

This term is often used to describe putting in a lot of effort or working diligently towards a goal. It implies a sense of determination and persistence.

For example, someone might say, “I grinded for hours to finish that project on time.”
In a conversation about achieving success, a person might mention, “You have to grind if you want to reach your goals.”
A student might say, “I grinded all night to prepare for the exam.”

2. Hustled

To hustle means to work hard and consistently, often in a fast-paced and energetic manner. It can also refer to being resourceful and finding creative ways to make progress.

For instance, someone might say, “I hustled to meet all my deadlines this week.”
In a discussion about entrepreneurship, a person might say, “Successful entrepreneurs hustle to turn their ideas into reality.”
A freelancer might mention, “I hustled to find new clients and build my portfolio.”

3. Put in the hours

This phrase implies dedicating a substantial amount of time and effort to a task or job. It emphasizes the importance of investing time in order to achieve results.

For example, someone might say, “I put in the hours to master that skill.”
In a conversation about career progression, a person might mention, “You have to put in the hours if you want to climb the corporate ladder.”
A colleague might say, “She’s always putting in the hours and going above and beyond.”

4. Clock in

To “clock in” refers to the act of officially starting work by recording the time on a time clock or electronic system. It signifies the beginning of a work shift or the start of the workday.

For instance, someone might say, “I need to clock in before I can start working.”
In a discussion about punctuality, a person might mention, “Make sure you clock in on time.”
A supervisor might remind employees, “Don’t forget to clock in when you arrive.”

5. Punch the clock

Similar to “clock in,” punching the clock refers to the act of recording the time on a time clock. It implies the completion of a work shift or the end of the workday.

For example, someone might say, “I punched the clock and headed home.”
In a conversation about work-life balance, a person might mention, “I make sure to punch the clock at the end of the day and leave work behind.”
A coworker might ask, “What time did you punch the clock today?”

6. Burned the midnight oil

This phrase refers to working late into the night, often to complete a task or meet a deadline. It implies putting in extra effort and sacrificing sleep.

For example, “I had to burn the midnight oil to finish the report before the deadline.”
A student might say, “I’ve been burning the midnight oil studying for my exams.”
A coworker might comment, “She’s always burning the midnight oil. She’s so dedicated to her work.”

7. Slaved away

This phrase implies working very hard and for long hours, often with little reward or recognition. It can convey a sense of being overworked or exploited.

For instance, “I slaved away all day to meet the unrealistic deadline.”
A person might say, “I’ve been slaving away in the kitchen all morning to prepare this meal.”
A coworker might complain, “We’re constantly slaving away while the boss takes all the credit.”

8. Put nose to the grindstone

This expression means to work hard and stay focused on a task without getting distracted. It suggests a strong work ethic and determination.

For example, “I need to put my nose to the grindstone and finish this project.”
A supervisor might say, “If you want to succeed in this company, you need to put your nose to the grindstone.”
A coworker might encourage, “Keep your nose to the grindstone and you’ll get that promotion.”

9. Got the job done

This phrase simply means accomplishing a task or objective. It emphasizes the end result rather than the process or effort involved.

For instance, “I didn’t enjoy the project, but I got the job done.”
A person might say, “I may not have done it perfectly, but I got the job done.”
A coworker might praise, “She’s reliable and always gets the job done on time.”

10. Got down to business

This phrase means to stop wasting time and start focusing on the task at hand. It implies a shift from casual or idle behavior to a more productive mindset.

For example, “We had a long discussion, but then we got down to business and made some decisions.”
A supervisor might say, “Let’s stop chatting and get down to business.”
A coworker might suggest, “We should get down to business and finish this project before the deadline.”

11. Went to town

This phrase is used to describe someone who worked with a lot of energy and dedication. It implies that the person put in a lot of effort and did an exceptional job.

For example, “She really went to town on that project and delivered outstanding results.”
In a discussion about a successful event, someone might say, “The team went to town to make sure everything was perfect.”
A colleague might compliment a coworker by saying, “You really went to town on that presentation. It was impressive!”

12. Got one’s hands dirty

This phrase is used to describe someone who is actively involved in doing physical or manual work. It implies that the person is not afraid to get their hands dirty and is willing to do the necessary tasks.

For instance, “He’s not just a manager, he’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and work alongside his team.”
In a conversation about a construction project, someone might say, “We need to get our hands dirty and start digging.”
A supervisor might encourage their team by saying, “Let’s roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty to meet the deadline.”

13. Got cracking

This phrase is used to indicate that someone has started working or taken action on a task or project. It implies a sense of urgency and the need to get things moving.

For example, “We have a tight deadline, so let’s get cracking and finish this project.”
In a discussion about productivity, someone might say, “I always make a to-do list in the morning to get cracking on my tasks.”
A manager might motivate their team by saying, “It’s time to get cracking and show our clients what we’re capable of.”

14. Got stuck in

This phrase is used to describe someone who immediately started working or got involved in a task without hesitation. It implies a willingness to take on the work and get things done.

For instance, “As soon as the meeting ended, she got stuck in and started preparing the report.”
In a conversation about teamwork, someone might say, “Everyone on the project got stuck in and contributed their best.”
A coworker might compliment a colleague by saying, “You always get stuck in and give your 100% to every task.”

15. Went the extra mile

This phrase is used to describe someone who put in extra effort or went beyond what was expected of them. It implies a dedication to achieving the best results and going above and beyond.

For example, “She went the extra mile by working late to ensure the project was completed on time.”
In a discussion about customer service, someone might say, “The staff at that hotel always goes the extra mile to make guests feel welcome.”
A supervisor might appreciate an employee’s efforts by saying, “You consistently go the extra mile and it doesn’t go unnoticed.”

16. Got on the grind

This phrase means to begin working diligently or putting in a lot of effort towards a task or goal.

For example, “I got on the grind and finished all my assignments before the deadline.”
Someone might say, “I need to get on the grind and study for my upcoming exams.”
In a motivational context, a person might say, “Get on the grind and chase your dreams.”

17. Got the ball rolling

This expression means to initiate or start something, often referring to the beginning of a project or task.

For instance, “I got the ball rolling on the new marketing campaign by brainstorming ideas.”
A team leader might say, “Let’s get the ball rolling on this project by assigning tasks to each team member.”
In a discussion about event planning, someone might suggest, “We should get the ball rolling on booking the venue and sending out invitations.”

18. Got the show on the road

This phrase means to begin or start a particular activity, event, or journey.

For example, “We got the show on the road by organizing transportation for everyone.”
Someone might say, “It’s time to get the show on the road and start our road trip.”
In a business context, a manager might say, “Let’s get the show on the road and start the meeting.”

19. Put in the grind

This expression means to work diligently and consistently, often putting in a lot of effort over a period of time.

For instance, “He put in the grind and practiced every day to improve his skills.”
A coworker might say, “I’ve been putting in the grind to meet the deadline for this project.”
In a discussion about success, someone might say, “You have to put in the grind if you want to achieve your goals.”

20. Hammered away

This phrase means to work with great intensity and determination, often in a focused and relentless manner.

For example, “She hammered away at her keyboard to finish the report before the deadline.”
Someone might say, “I’ve been hammering away at this project all week.”
In a conversation about productivity, a person might suggest, “If you want to get things done, you have to hammer away at your tasks.”

21. Tackled the task

This phrase is often used to describe successfully completing a task or assignment, especially when it was challenging or required effort.

For example, “I tackled the task of organizing the office files and finished it in record time.”
A coworker might say, “She really tackled the task of planning the company event and did an amazing job.”
Someone might say, “I need to tackle the task of cleaning out my garage this weekend.”

22. Got your hands dirty

This expression is used to describe actively participating in physically demanding or dirty work, often involving manual labor or getting involved in the nitty-gritty aspects of a task or project.

For instance, “I got my hands dirty by helping to paint the walls of the new office.”
A friend might say, “He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty and do the hard work.”
Someone might say, “It’s time to roll up our sleeves and get our hands dirty to finish this project.”

23. Took care of business

This phrase is used to describe successfully completing a task or responsibility in a competent and efficient manner.

For example, “I took care of business by finishing all my assignments before the deadline.”
A colleague might say, “She really took care of business by resolving the customer complaints promptly.”
Someone might say, “I need to take care of business by organizing my schedule for the week.”

24. Got the wheels turning

This expression is used to describe initiating or starting a process or project, often with the intention of getting things moving or progressing.

For instance, “I got the wheels turning by proposing a new marketing strategy.”
A coworker might say, “He’s great at getting the wheels turning and coming up with innovative ideas.”
Someone might say, “Let’s get the wheels turning on this project and start brainstorming ideas.”

25. Got your nose to the grindstone

This phrase is used to describe someone who is working diligently and persistently, often with a strong focus and determination to achieve their goals.

For example, “She has her nose to the grindstone, working late nights to meet the project deadline.”
A supervisor might say, “He always has his nose to the grindstone and consistently produces high-quality work.”
Someone might say, “I need to get my nose to the grindstone and study for the upcoming exam.”

26. Pounded the pavement

This phrase refers to actively seeking employment by going door-to-door, handing out resumes, and applying in person. It implies a high level of effort and determination in the job search process.

For example, someone might say, “I’ve been pounding the pavement all week, trying to find a job.”
A job seeker might discuss their experience by saying, “I pounded the pavement for months before finally landing my dream job.”
A career advisor might suggest, “If you’re having trouble finding work, it’s time to start pounding the pavement and networking with potential employers.”

27. Got the gears turning

This phrase is often used to describe the beginning stages of a project or task. It suggests that someone has taken the necessary steps to get things moving and make progress.

For instance, a team leader might say, “Let’s get the gears turning on this new project.”
A coworker might ask, “Have you gotten the gears turning on that report yet?”
A manager might motivate their team by saying, “We need to get the gears turning and meet our deadlines.”

28. Pulled a shift

This phrase is commonly used to describe working a specific shift or period of time, especially in jobs that have varying schedules or require multiple shifts.

For example, a restaurant employee might say, “I pulled a double shift yesterday.”
A coworker might ask, “Are you available to pull the night shift tomorrow?”
A retail worker might discuss their schedule by saying, “I pulled a morning shift today, but I have the next two days off.”