labor at

labor at (something)

To work very hard or diligently to accomplish something. I've been laboring at my Ph.D. for nearly four years now. Pat's out back laboring at repainting the back wall.See also: labor

labor at something

to work hard at something. He is laboring at his gardening and won't be back in the house until dinnertime. What are you laboring at so intensely?See also: labor