1. (

• plug_away ,
• peg_away ,
• slog ,
• keep_one's_nose_to_the_grindstone ,
• keep_one's_shoulder_to_the_wheel

) work doggedly or persistently; "She keeps plugging away at her dissertation" ;

2. (

• slog ,
• footslog ,
• plod ,
• trudge ,
• pad ,
• tramp ,

) walk heavily and firmly, as when weary, or through mud; "Mules plodded in a circle around a grindstone" ;

3. (

• slug ,
• slog ,
• swig

) strike heavily, especially with the fist or a bat; "He slugged me so hard that I passed out" ;