hack away at (something)

hack away at (something)

1. To cut away at something and remove pieces of it, often with clumsy strokes or whacks. Quit hacking away at the roast and just let Dad cut it, will you?2. To persistently work on some task, completing it in increments over time. Try not to get too overwhelmed and just hack away at the chores on your list.See also: away, hack