word choice - What do you call it when you refuse to give up on a particular task
In Dutch we've got the expression 'Vastbijten in'. It means you really get into a problem or some work. And you won't give up till it's resolved. I've been looking all over the web, but I've not been able to find an expression that comes close enough.
Is there a way of saying this en English? The Dutch expression is a verb phrase, so that would probably come closest.
Edit
Thank you all very much for your answers:). Since I can only accept one final answer, I feel the need to do some clarification. Initially I added the single word request, since the expression in Dutch is just one word (not including the preposition). However, that's very specific to the Dutch language and I'm mostly looking for an expression that comes closest. Therefore I feel that:
to get one's teeth into
Comes closest, it's actually almost an exact translation both literally and in meaning.indefatigable
Is the best candidate when a single word is required(although the literal translation in dutch for this would be 'onvermoeibaar'). This also is an interesting choice since vastbijten can be used as noun(vastbijter
), meaning an indefatigable person.to dig in
Would be probably the American equivalent of to get one's teeth into. Also not one word, but approaching the meaning closest.
Answer
An almost-literal translation is to get one's teeth into something.
Work energetically and productively on (a task):
the course gives students something to get their teeth into
A slightly more prosaic alternative might be persevere; that connotes slightly less enthusiasm for the task at hand.
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