heavy lifting

American  

[hev-ee lif-ting] / ˈhɛv i ˈlɪf tɪŋ /

noun

Informal.

1. hard work.

   A team of researchers did the heavy lifting for the author.

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Etymology

Origin of heavy lifting

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

heavy lifting

It’s about owning exceptional businesses for long periods and allowing time, not market timing, to do the heavy lifting.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 20, 2026

Olive brine is already packed with salt and acidity, which means it’s doing a lot of the heavy lifting required for a good marinade.

From Salon ● Jul. 7, 2026

Until those task forces release their findings, the chairman’s words may have to do the heavy lifting.

From Barron's ● Jun. 29, 2026

This time, it was Korda — the 2025 runner-up — who did the heavy lifting.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 8, 2026

“What’s the matter, Roycroft? Is heavy lifting beneath your pay grade?”

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman