someone's arse off

== English == === Alternative forms === someone's ass off (US spelling) === Adverb === someone's arse off (British spelling, vulgar) (adverbial phrase) (reflexive) With great effort, vigour or gusto, or to the point of excess. (reflexive) Used as a general negative intensifier: to an extreme degree. (non-reflexive) So as to rigorously exercise or exhaust someone. ==== Usage notes ==== Frequently used with the verb work, but many other verbs are also possible. Reflexive use is more common than non-reflexive. See ass § Usage notes regarding the metonymy (and the potential reflexivity). To work one's arse off is thus to wear oneself down and figuratively to wear one's ass away as if by attrition. ==== Synonyms ==== someone's butt off, someone's buns off, someone's tits off, someone's nuts off, someone's balls off, someone's bollocks off, someone's dick off (all vulgar) someone's tail off (inoffensive or euphemistic) ==== Translations ==== For translations with work, see work someone's ass off. === See also === one's socks off