Example
“Rescuing stranded hikers may sound heroic, but the guide called it all in a day's work.”
Recorded usage
These full forms were measured in COCA in 2016–2017. Counts apply to the quoted form, not every use of this idiom; overlapping forms are not added together.
Grouped source variants; editorially classified here as an idiom. Usage counts are separate from CEFR difficulty.
Dictionary details
Related idioms
Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.
donkey work
CEFR B2the tiring, repetitive, and often unappreciated work that supports a larger task
make light work of
CEFR B2to handle a demanding task quickly and effortlessly
make short work of
CEFR B2to finish a task or overcome an opponent with surprising speed and ease
save for a rainy day
CEFR B1to put money aside for future emergencies
see the light of day
CEFR B2be created, published, or finally made available for people to see
work wonders
CEFR B2have an unusually strong and beneficial effect
Source methodology
Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.