plug along

plug along

1. To continue making progress (in some endeavor) at steady, consistent pace, especially in the face of difficulties, challenges, setbacks, etc. We're still plugging along with the project, in spite of all the problems we've had with staff turnover. It's been tough dealing with all the negative publicity in the media, but I just want to plug along and show the world that I can still win this tournament.
2. To get by; to do satisfactorily. Typically used in the continuous tense as a response to "How are you?" or some similar greeting. A: "How you been, Tom?" B: "Oh, you know, just plugging along. Nothing too wild going on around here."
See also: plug
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

(I'm) (just) plugging along.

Inf. I am doing satisfactorily.; I am just managing to function. Bill: How are things going? Bob: I'm just plugging along. Sue: How are you doing, Fred? Fred: Just plugging along, thanks. And you? Sue: About the same.
See also: plug
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.
See also:
References in periodicals archive ?
Plug along, haunted by the feeling that there must be something rath- er better out there and fielding the odd snide comment from the sales director?
ON THE CAMPAIGN COUCH... WITH JB
Each cable features a single 3.5mm male stereo plug along with dual (red and white in color) male RCA plugs, allowing audio transfer capability between a stereo source and an RCA output.
ShowMeCables Blows Out Stereo-to-RCA Cables on Humpday
Emerging markets such as China, Brazil, Russia, India and Venezuela are expected to grow by 14% to 17% per year, while mature markets will plug along at 3% to 6% annual growth.
Pharma sales to grow 5% to 8%, report says; overhaul effects unclear
But the CRF has a wide powerband that kicks in from low down so you can plug along at slow speeds through the most treacherous terrain.
Prince of the off-roaders; on two wheels
Continue to plug along everyday, making whatever contribution I can to everything and everybody around me.
Global success; Michael Tien winner of Worcester Academy distinguished alumnus award
Why plug along from day to day in a pedestrian rut of mediocrity, ineffectiveness and futility?
All you have to do is be
We plug along, this little radical contingent of teachers, students, and parents.
Editorial
As I plug along, investing time into the work that I care about, I hear:
How to keep on keepin' on as a young environmental activist
"One on One" (UPN)--Although ratings for its Monday comedy block are down across the board, this vet continues to plug along despite airing in its third different timeslot in as many seasons.
Here's to shows that soldier on
The baggage carousel at Los Cabos International Airport reveals just a sampling of the outdoor activities offered throughout the sun-soaked Baja Peninsula: Hard plastic cases cradling golf clubs and zippered totes in the shape of tennis rackets plug along in fits and starts.
Baja or bust: beyond the beach and the links, the adventures begin in the brilliant waters off Los Cabos
Perhaps not, perhaps we won't see the "golden era" of the '70s and '80s again, but it will plug along. As baseball great Dizzy Dean said when asked about his sore arm, "Well, it isn't what it used to be, but what the hell is?"
A look ahead at newsletter publishing in 2004
I had a lot of lip-outs but I have stayed patient and continued to plug along and played the golf course for what it gives me.''
Golf: Monty out to break Major duck
Meanwhile, the group she founded continues to plug along, making fewer and fewer waves.
As the U.S. Senate Fiddles, CPSC's agenda stews
Regardless he has continued to plug along. Improvingly his Web based appointment scheduling product and pining for an investment or acquisition opportunity.
Where are they now? Itech startups of the month. (Hightech Coloradobiz)
Idioms browser ?
Full browser ?