Where did the phrase plugging away originate?

The exact origin of the phrase "plugging away" is unclear, but it's believed to have emerged in the late 1800s or early 1900s in the context of manual labor.

Here's a breakdown of the potential origins:

* "Plugging" as a metaphor for hammering: In the past, "plugging" was used to describe the act of hammering something repeatedly, like a peg into a hole. This sense of persistent effort likely contributed to the meaning of "plugging away."

* "Plugging" in the context of machines: During the industrial revolution, "plugging away" might have been used to describe machines working constantly, tirelessly, and without interruption.

* "Plugging" in the context of ships: Some sources suggest that "plugging away" could have originated from the maritime world, where ships would "plug away" at their destination, regardless of the weather or obstacles.

Regardless of the precise origins, "plugging away" has evolved into a common idiom describing persistent, determined effort over a period of time. It's often used to describe someone working diligently on a task, regardless of the challenges they might face.