tug away at (someone or something)

To pull or yank on someone or something vigorously or repeatedly, especially when doing so has little or no effect. I tugged away at the man's arm, but he wouldn't budge. I've been tugging away at this thing for nearly 20 minutes, but it doesn't seem like it has moved more than an inch!

See also: away, tug

See also:

tug at
tug at (someone or something)
jerk (someone or something) out of (something)
yank at
yank at (someone or something)
jerk out of
jerk (someone or something) out of (something or some place)
pull under
pull (someone or something) under
pull to

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