strain away

strain away

1. To draw or pull away (from someone or something) with great effort. I handed the baby to her grandfather, but she strained away from him the moment she was in his arms. I tightened my grip on the reins when I felt the horses beginning to strain away.
2. To work (on something) continuously, diligently, and with a great amount of effort. Lawmakers from both political parties have strained away at comprehensive tax reform legislation. I've been straining away for nearly a year on this book, and I thought I would have a lot more to show for it by now.
See also: away, strain
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

strain away (at something)

to work very hard, continuously, at doing something. She strained away at her weights, getting stronger every day. She was straining away on the rowing machine when we came in.
See also: away, strain
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • are we away
  • Are we away?
  • away
  • draw away
  • do away with
  • do away with (someone, something, or oneself)
  • be light years away from
  • draw away from (someone or something)
  • dwindle away
  • deflect
References in classic literature
And the two simple-minded youngsters at the sculls feel quite proud of being allowed to row such wonderful oarsmen as Jack and Tom, and strain away harder than ever.
Three Men In A Boat
Pharmacists are playing an increasingly important role today in taking some of the strain away from GPs and A&Es, acting as an initial port of call for people to get advice from a fully trained pharmacist before a decision is taken on what to do next."
Pharmacy offers life-saving service
There's probably Newcastle fans who don't like the style either but they like his tactics because to get that balance and take the pain and strain away from the players (is impressive).
Full transcript of Soccer Saturday's brilliant Newcastle United special: Rafa and pundits tackle the big issues; Newcastle United's big issues were raked over by Soccer Saturday, with an excellent interview with Rafa Benitez and the pundits then talking over the issues
Please ensure that you pre-book steak Tuesday though as this can sell out in no time at all!" Take the strain away on a Sunday and enjoy the Sunday sharing platter.
Autumn revamp for The Pot Bistro; ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
"The suit can take stress and strain away from the body which protects the worker."
New robotic vest helping workers to build school
"The Hands Free Shopping takes the strain away whilst visitors continue to shop, dine or catch up with friends."
Shopping 'hands free'
The unique service is available exclusively at Mall of the Emirates and is designed with every type of shopper in mind, whether you're a parent strolling the mall with the little ones, a keen shopper looking for some relief, or a tourist looking to have your shopping delivered directly to your hotel at a later time, Hands Free Shopping takes the strain away whilst you continue to shop, dine or catch up with friends.
Visit this Dubai shopping mall, get home delivery of goods
Called ErgoComfort, it is designed to take the strain away from the muscles as you drive.
Playing Tig; AIDAN RENNIE-JONES is surprised by the fun driving dynamics offered in VW's refined compact SUV
PRESSURE DROP England legend Gerrard (left) reckons fear of failure stopped the Three Lions from performing v Iceland (above), but he believes Allardyce (above) can takes the strain away
Big Sam is cleverer than people think he is..he'll take away the fear that's held England back; STEVIE G'S ENGLAND VERDICT; GERRARD TIPS ALLARDYCE TO BE A SURPRISE SUCCESS
However, taking some strain away from Cotterill may allow him to flow more on the pitch.
New signings could drive Cotterill on
In busy city traffic, the large windows offer great visibility and the car's on-board parking sensors take a bit of the strain away when reversing and parking.
When only seven seats will do
"Maybe a final would take a wee bit of the strain away from the league and give us something to look forward to.
Jamie wants best of both
"It makes it a bit of a mini-tour, if you like, but at least from the travel point of view it takes a little bit of the strain away, and allows us get some quality preparation in."
Finger injury won't halt Di Venuto's contribution; Cook hopeful Australian should play
Kuehn Keramik ceramic napkin rings, pounds 95 (for six), from www.gift-library.com TAKE A SEAT You've already got too much to carry to your beach spot, so let us take some of the strain away with this 'wheely' top-class seating solution.
SEVEN TO LUST AFTER