onerous work

This meaning of onerous work evolved in the 19th century to "pursuing a hopeless goal."

Lord Naja had paid himself generously for the onerous work of assassination.

Manipulation of the lead-lined gloves was onerous work.

Indoor plumbing and washing machines freed women of onerous work, but there was less socializing at wells.

Controversy and attention surrounding "Regional Airline" pilot qualifications, experience and comparatively onerous work and rest rules increased after the crash of Colgan 3407 in 2009.

It was no onerous work; I had been appointed watchman of the big pit during the time when all the workmen downed tools and went home for their midday meal.

Many decided to give up their onerous work and moved to jobs in nearby towns and cities or else retired, in some cases selling up to commuters looking for an attractive country retreat.

After such and many adventures, in which he finds comedy, cruelty, onerous work as a beast-of-burden, circus-like exhibition, danger, and a love companion, the hero finally manages to regain his human form-by eating roses.

Stung by this harsh reality, the New York branch of the International Brotherhood of Painters and Allied Trades has decided, in what union leaders and real estate officials call a historic shift, to jettison its most onerous work rules, at least on some jobs.

But many jobs in the service sector that is supposed to absorb the unemployed involve onerous work and wages that appall one-time factory workers used to receiving more like $80 to $100 a month plus housing, health and pension benefits - and, perhaps more important, thought of themselves as proud standard-bearers of a people's republic.