work late

/wɜːrk leɪt/
phrase★Intermediate— to stay at work beyond usual hours
informal

to remain at one's workplace after the usual finishing time

Due to the urgent report, he had to work late again.

Because of the urgent report, he stayed at work past his usual time.

Working late is common in our office during busy seasons.

Staying at work after hours is typical in our office during peak periods.

💡

This phrase is often used to describe overtime work or extended working hours.

Collocations

work late into the nightto work until very late at nightwork late hoursto regularly work beyond standard hours

Related Phrases

pull an all-nighterphrase
to work through the entire night without sleep
burn the midnight oilidiom
to work late into the night

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

The phrase 'work late' can imply either voluntary overtime or mandatory extra hours, depending on the context.

📖Word Origin

The phrase combines the verb 'work' with the adverb 'late', indicating extended working hours beyond the usual schedule.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in professional and informal contexts to describe working beyond standard hours. It can imply either voluntary or mandatory overtime.

Word Breakdown

work
to perform one's job or duties
root
+
late
after the usual or expected time
adverb
English Dictionary