spadework

American  

[speyd-wurk] / ˈspeɪdˌwɜrk /

noun

1. preliminary or initial work, such as the gathering of data, on which further activity is to be based.

---

spadework British  

/ ˈspeɪdˌwɜːk /

noun

1. dull or routine preparatory work

---

Etymology

Origin of spadework

First recorded in 1770–80; spade ¹ + work

Example Sentences

Indeed, many diplomatic agreements are the product of several administrations, with one president benefiting from the spadework of predecessors.

From New York Times

That diplomatic spadework led both sides of the Atlantic to decide on Friday to target Mr. Putin himself by going after his money held abroad.

From New York Times

The rationale was that this laborious spadework brought loamy topsoil down to subsoil level to promote deep rooting, relieved soil compaction and allowed the gardener to improve both sandy and clay soils by adding compost.

From Washington Post

A lot of spadework needs to be done by the next government.

From BBC

Snyder, who campaigned against partisanship, all but ignored the political spadework of building the party as his predecessors had done.

From Seattle Times