work (one's) socks off

work (one's) socks off

To work really hard (on or at something). I know you thought it was just a silly New Year's resolution, but I've been working my socks off at the gym! Sally and Jim work their socks off when we hold our user conference—I don't know what I'd do without them!See also: off, sock, work

work your socks off

INFORMALIf you work your socks off, you work extremely hard. They worked their socks off to make the business succeed. Note: You can use this expression with many other verbs, especially verbs related to performing such as dance, act and play. In each case, it means `a lot' or `very well'. I danced my socks off last night. Capper is currently playing his socks off for Sheffield Wednesday.See also: off, sock, work