be working overtime
1. To be working more hours at one's job than one is scheduled or required to do. I've been working overtime all week to get this project done by the deadline. I know you all have other responsibilities, but we really need everyone to work overtime tonight so we can finally get this mailing out the door. You work for a heating company? Well, I guess you're always working overtime in the winter, huh?
2. To be putting forth a lot of effort to do or accomplish something. Everyone's air conditioners have been working overtime during this heat wave. Mom has been working overtime to get more signatures on her petition for the city council. Your grandmother arrives tomorrow and the house is still a mess—we'll all need to work overtime to get everything straightened up.
Chinese overtime
Overtime pay which is calculated at less than an employee's normal hourly rate (usually one-half), rather than one-and-a-half times it, as is usually paid in traditional overtime arrangements. It is a potentially derogatory term, so discretion is advised. Overall, I love having the flexibility to work the hours that I see fit; the only downside is that I only get Chinese overtime when I have to put in more time for a project than usual.
work overtime
1. Literally, to work more hours at one's job than one is scheduled or required to do. I've been working overtime all week to get this project done by the deadline.
2. To be putting forth a lot of additional effort to do or accomplish something. Everyone's air conditioners have been working overtime during this heat wave. Mom has been working overtime to get more signatures on her petition for the city council.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.