struggle for survival; work oneself to death
Meanings
2 senses · 6 examplesverb
to struggle for one's life; to fight desperately to survive
Describes physical struggling in life-threatening situations such as disasters, accidents, or severe illness.
He was struggling for his life in the flood, but fortunately was rescued by the rescue team.
The injured little bird was fighting for its life on the ground, looking very pitiful.
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He struggled for his life in the sickbed for a year, but eventually passed away.
verb
to work oneself to the bone; to work desperately hard
informalColloquial expression often used to advise against overworking, especially for elderly people. Carries a connotation of working excessively hard to the point of damaging one's health.
You're getting old, don't work yourself to death anymore—your health is what matters.
To support his family, he has to work himself to the bone, overtime until late night every day.
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Don't always work yourself to death—take a break occasionally.