Be working overtime
verb phrase
To work more hours than usual, especially in a job that is paid hourly.
With the recent layoffs, the remaining staff will be working overtime to cover the workload.
Often appears as...
- employees are working overtime
- working overtime on the project
verb phrase
To use more effort, energy, or resources than normal.
My imagination was working overtime trying to figure out what might have happened.
Often appears as...
- mind is working overtime
- brain is working overtime
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To work more hours than usual, especially in a job that is paid hourly.
With the recent layoffs, the remaining staff will be working overtime to cover the workload.
Often appears as...
- employees are working overtime
- working overtime on the project
verb phrase
To use more effort, energy, or resources than normal.
My imagination was working overtime trying to figure out what might have happened.
Often appears as...
- mind is working overtime
- brain is working overtime
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Beyond Standard
Refers to working past the usual closing time or agreed hours.
He's been working overtime to meet the project deadline.
Pro Tip 2/3Possible Compensation
May imply extra pay or time off, commonly known as 'overtime pay'.
She earns extra by working overtime during the holiday rush.
Pro Tip 3/3Extra Workload
Implies an increased workload that necessitates longer working hours.
Since the merger, our team has been working overtime.
Pro Tip 1/3Beyond Standard
Refers to working past the usual closing time or agreed hours.
He's been working overtime to meet the project deadline.
Pro Tip 2/3Possible Compensation
May imply extra pay or time off, commonly known as 'overtime pay'.
She earns extra by working overtime during the holiday rush.
Pro Tip 3/3Extra Workload
Implies an increased workload that necessitates longer working hours.
Since the merger, our team has been working overtime.
Pro Tip 1/3Beyond Standard
Refers to working past the usual closing time or agreed hours.
He's been working overtime to meet the project deadline.
Pro Tip 2/3Possible Compensation
May imply extra pay or time off, commonly known as 'overtime pay'.
She earns extra by working overtime during the holiday rush.
Pro Tip 3/3Extra Workload
Implies an increased workload that necessitates longer working hours.
Since the merger, our team has been working overtime.
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