Also means
workhorse (colloquial)
Usage Note
Ackergaul is a colloquial, slightly disparaging term for a heavy draught horse used for field work; it also metaphorically describes someone who works hard without recognition. Less formal than Zugpferd or Kaltblüter.
Examples
"Er schuftet wie ein Ackergaul, ohne je ein Lob zu bekommen."
Natural Translation
He toils like a workhorse without ever getting a word of praise.
Literal Translation
He toils like a farm-horse without ever a praise to receive.
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