eager beaver
Meaning
A very enthusiastic, hard-working person who is keen to do tasks (sometimes seen as overzealous).
Origin
From the beaver’s reputation as an industrious animal that busily builds dams; the phrase became common in North American English in the mid-20th century.
Notes
Often friendly but can be mildly sarcastic, implying someone is trying too hard or showing off. Common in work/school contexts.
Examples
-
Maya is such an eager beaver that she finished the report before anyone else even started.
-
Don’t be an eager beaver and send the email until you’ve double-checked the attachments.
-
He’s an eager beaver in training, always asking for extra practice drills.
-
The new hire came in like an eager beaver, volunteering for every task on day one.
-
If you’re an eager beaver, you’ll love this project because it rewards initiative.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Typically a noun phrase: “an eager beaver” (countable) or “such an eager beaver.” Often used as a label: “Don’t be such an eager beaver.” Rarely pluralized but possible (“eager beavers”).
Synonyms
- go-getter
- keener
- try-hard
- hard worker
Antonyms
- slacker
- layabout
- idler