simple past tense and past participle of work like a dream

Work product, as a presentation of a solution to a problem, produced without input from one's superior, other than possibly setting the problem, that is complete to the point of only needing approval or disapproval from one's superior or other decision-makers.

present participle of work like a mule

Third-person singular simple present indicative form of work like a mule

simple past tense and past participle of work like a mule

Synonym of buy cheap, buy twice

Expressing confidence that a conundrum has a solution despite it not being apparent.

(idiomatic) Synonym of close enough for government work

(US, idiomatic, humorous, derogatory) Adequate: acceptable as government work, imperfect but not worth the time or effort of improving.

A philosophy of life, holding that people who do not look for an easy way of earning a living are foolish.