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spadework

[ speyd-wurk ]

noun

  1. preliminary or initial work, such as the gathering of data, on which further activity is to be based.


spadework

/ ˈspeɪdˌwɜːk /

noun

  1. dull or routine preparatory work
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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Word History and Origins

Origin of spadework1

First recorded in 1770–80; spade 1 + work
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Example Sentences

Indeed, many diplomatic agreements are the product of several administrations, with one president benefiting from the spadework of predecessors.

That diplomatic spadework led both sides of the Atlantic to decide on Friday to target Mr. Putin himself by going after his money held abroad.

The rationale was that this laborious spadework brought loamy topsoil down to subsoil level to promote deep rooting, relieved soil compaction and allowed the gardener to improve both sandy and clay soils by adding compost.

A lot of spadework needs to be done by the next government.

From BBC

Snyder, who campaigned against partisanship, all but ignored the political spadework of building the party as his predecessors had done.

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