Eager beaver
Meaning
A very enthusiastic and hardworking person, often someone who is overly keen and industrious.
Origin
Beavers are renowned for their relentless dam-building and industrious nature, shaping their environment with tireless effort. The phrase "eager beaver" first appeared in American English in the early 20th century, gaining widespread popularity during and after World War II. Soldiers and civilians alike adopted this vivid, alliterative term to describe individuals who were exceptionally diligent, enthusiastic, and sometimes excessively zealous in their work, embodying the tireless spirit of the hard-working rodent. The catchy phrase perfectly captured the image of someone always ready to dive in and get things done, much like a beaver meticulously constructing its home.
Examples
- Sarah is such an eager beaver, always the first to volunteer for extra projects at work.
- The new intern was an eager beaver, arriving early and staying late every day to learn as much as possible.