PhrasesHub

Eager beaver

    Definitions

      • enthusiastic
        To describe someone who is eagerly and actively participating in a task or activity, often with a great deal of energy and excitement

      • hardworking
        To describe someone who is highly motivated and dedicated to their work, often going above and beyond what is expected or required

      • overzealous
        To describe someone who is overly eager or enthusiastic, sometimes to the point of being annoying or intrusive

    Examples of Eager beaver

    • Sarah is such an eager beaver when it comes to cleaning the house. She can't seem to sit still until every corner is spotless.

      This idiom means that Sarah is very enthusiastic and persistent when it comes to cleaning the house. The term "eager beaver" originally comes from the idea that a beaver works tirelessly to build dams and lodges, and can be applied to someone who is similarly diligent and hardworking in their own tasks or duties. In this example, we see that Sarah's enthusiasm for cleaning is so strong that it borders on being almost obsessive or compulsive, as she can't seem to rest until everything is perfectly clean.

    • The new computer programmer was an eager beaver, working overtime every day to perfect the code.

      This is an example of using the idiom "eager beaver" to describe someone who is overly enthusiastic and hardworking in their job, similar to how a beaver is enthusiastic in building dams. This expression highlights the person's eagerness and dedication to their work.

    • The chef in the kitchen was an eager beaver, constantly experimenting with new ingredients and techniques to create unique dishes.

      This example demonstrates the use of "eager beaver" to describe someone who is enthusiastic and passionate about their work, particularly in the culinary field. This expression represents the chef's eagerness to innovate and try new things in their craft.

    • The sales representative was an eager beaver, always returning from client meetings with new leads and sales opportunities.

      In this example, "eager beaver" is used to describe someone who is energetic, diligent, and hardworking in their sales position. The expression shows the sales representative's eagerness to succeed and close deals.

    • The volunteer at the non-profit organization was an eager beaver, constantly working on new fundraising ideas and events to raise money for the cause.

      This example uses "eager beaver" to describe someone who is enthusiastic and motivated to volunteer their time and energy for a good cause. The expression demonstrates the volunteer's eagerness to help others and make a difference in their community.

    • Sarah is such an eager beaver in her new job. She stays late at the office, comes in on weekends, and is always the first one to volunteer for extra projects.

      The phrase "eager beaver" is a metaphor that refers to someone who is overly enthusiastic and hardworking. In this example, Sarah is described as an "eager beaver" because she is eagerly engaged in her new job and is working harder than others. Beavers are known for their industriousness in building dams and creating lodges, and the metaphor compares Sarah's work ethic to their tenacity.

    • The students in this class are a bunch of eager beavers. They ask so many questions that the teacher barely has time to answer them all.

      In this example, the phrase "eager beavers" is being used to describe a group of people, rather than just one individual. It conveys the idea that these students are very eager to learn and are constantly bombarding the teacher with questions. The metaphor helps to illustrate the intensity of the students' quest for knowledge and their eagerness to absorb as much information as possible.

    • My boss expects me to be an eager beaver and work overtime every day.

      In this example, the speaker is using the idiom to express their frustration with their boss's expectations. They are essentially saying that their boss expects them to work harder than they are comfortable with, as if they were a beaver incessantly gnawing away at a tree trunk. The metaphor highlights the intensity of the speaker's working conditions and the pressure they feel to meet their boss's demands.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "eager beaver" is typically used to describe someone who is enthusiastic, hardworking, or overly zealous in their actions. It is often used in a positive context, highlighting the person's dedication and motivation. However, it can also have a negative connotation if the person's eagerness becomes excessive or bothersome.

    Origin of "Eager beaver"

    The origin of this idiom is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated in North America in the early 20th century. The phrase "eager beaver" is a play on words, as beavers are known for their diligence and hard work in building dams and lodges. The idiom became popularized during the construction of the Hoover Dam in the 1930s, when workers were referred to as "eager beavers" for their tireless efforts.

    The idiom has since become a common expression in English, with variations such as "busy beaver" or "keen beaver" also being used. It is often used in a lighthearted or playful manner to describe someone who is energetic and enthusiastic in their pursuits. Over time, it has also been incorporated into other languages, such as French and Spanish, with similar meanings.

    Overall, the idiom "eager beaver" is a light-hearted and colorful way of describing someone who is hardworking, enthusiastic, and motivated. Its origins in the construction of the Hoover Dam serve as a reminder of the determination and diligence of those who worked on the project, and it continues to be a popular phrase in modern language.