Noun

(-)

Work done by digging with a spade.

(figuratively) Work done in preparation for something else.

* There's a lot of spadework to be done before the scheme can be implemented.

* {{quote-book

, year=1960 , author= , title=(Jeeves in the Offing) , section=chapter VIII , passage=Removing a portion of chair which had got entangled in my back hair, I said with a candour that became me well: “I was looking for a mouse.” If she had replied, “Ah, yes, indeed. I understand now. A mouse, to be sure. Quite,” everything would have been nice and smooth, but she didn't. “A mouse?” she said. “What do you mean?” Well, of course, if she didn't know what a mouse was, there was evidently a good deal of tedious spadework before us, and one would scarcely have known where to start.}}

Noun

(-)

Work, especially research or preparation, that involves significant walking, travel, or similar effort.

* 1955 , " Who'll Buy My Stocks?," Time , 7 Mar.:

In addition to spreading more information, brokers are going to have to do some leg work to get new customers.

* 2003 , Peter Spotts, " What the world has done right on SARS," Christian Science Monitor , 1 May (retrieved 5 Jan. 2009):

The worldwide effort has already revealed several valuable lessons [including] . . . the use of old-fashioned legwork in tracking down people who may unknowingly carry a virus.

* 2004 , Jerry Acuff, The Relationship Edge in Business , page 62

John did all the legwork . He had the invitations printed and mailed. He found speakers.

Skillful or vigorous use of the legs, as in dance or sports.

* 1890 , " Atalanta and Yale Race: An English expert criticizes the crews of Yale and Harvard," New York Times , 11 May, p. 20 (retrieved 5 Jan 2009):

"Watriss, No. 3, is rowing well. . . . His leg work is very fair."

* 2005 , Thomas Incledon & Matthew Hoffman, Men's Health Maximum Muscle Plan , page 353

Fancy legwork and jumping rope will get you in great shape.