spadework

== English == === Etymology === From spade +‎ work. === Noun === spadework (uncountable) Work done by digging with a spade. (figuratively) Work done in preparation for something else. ==== Synonyms ==== (work done by digging with a spade): digging (work done in preparation): prep, prep work, preparatory work, groundwork, homework ==== Related terms ==== spadeworker ==== Translations ====