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• donkey work
  donkey work

  noun

  tedious, repetitious work; drudgery.
• donkey-work
  donkey-work

  noun

  groundwork

donkey work

American  

Also donkeywork

noun

1. Informal. tedious, repetitious work; drudgery.

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donkey-work British  

noun

1. groundwork

2. US equivalent: draft-mule work.  drudgery

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Etymology

Origin of donkey work

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

donkey work donkey-work

Donkeys and donkey work are essential to the livelihoods of people in developing countries, but elsewhere donkeys have all but disappeared.

From New York Times ● Mar. 14, 2023

With the right service, he gives them a greater threat from set-pieces but also takes the pressure off his strike partner because he can do all the donkey work.

From BBC ● Dec. 7, 2014

Washington State, cold and winter-bruised, was the scene of much of the donkey work that went into Stevens' comeback.

From The Guardian ● Apr. 3, 2013

This seems an excellent use of a computer to do the donkey work for us, but unfortunately it does not get rid of all the labor.

From Scientific American ● Aug. 23, 2011

The inside forwards should do what is called "the donkey work," to fetch and carry, and to help the half-backs when they are in a dilemma.

From Association Football And How To Play It by Cameron, John

But they might prefer Tim Bresnan, the whole-hearted Yorkshireman, who would be thrilled to do some of the donkey-work into the strong sea breeze that arrives each day at the Waca.

From The Guardian ● Dec. 12, 2010

He might do the donkey-work; but in fact Sally must lead.

From Coquette by Swinnerton, Frank