labor

fruits of one's labor(s)

Fig. the results of one's work. We displayed the fruits of our labor at the county fair. What have you accomplished? Where is the fruit of your labors?

See also: fruit

in labor

[of a woman] experiencing the pains and exertion of childbirth. Susan was in labor for nearly eight hours. As soon as she had been in labor for an hour, she went to the hospital.

induce labor in someone

to cause the onset of childbirth in a mother-to-be. They decided to induce labor in the mother-to-be. They decided not to induce labor in Alice.

labor at something

to work hard at something. He is laboring at his gardening and won't be back in the house until dinnertime. What are you laboring at so intensely?

labor for someone or something

to work on behalf of someone or something. I labored for them all day, and they didn't even thank me. I have labored for this cause for many years.

labor for something

to work in order to get something, such as money. I was laboring for a pittance, so I decided to get another job. I labor for the love of it.

labor of love

Fig. a task that is either unpaid or badly paid and that one does simply for one's own satisfaction or pleasure or to please someone whom one likes or loves. Jane made no money out of the biography she wrote. She was writing about the life of a friend and the book was a labor of love. Mary hates knitting, but she made a sweater for her boyfriend. What a labor of love.

See also: love

labor over someone or something

to work hard on someone or something. The surgeon labored over the patient for four hours. I labored over this painting for months before I got it the way I wanted it.

labor under an assumption

Fig. to function or operate believing something; to go about living while assuming something [that may not be so]. I was laboring under the idea that we were going to share the profits equally. Are you laboring under the notion that you are going to be promoted?

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a labour of love  (British & Australian) also a labor of love (American & Australian)

an activity that is hard work but that you do because you enjoy it He prefers to paint the house himself - it's a real labour of love.

See also: love

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a labor of love

work that you do because it brings you great pleasure Most of Earl's businesses make money, but this one is just a labor of love.

See also: love