spadework[noun]Synonyms: preparation, donkey-work, groundwork, labour
[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲
spade‧work /ˈspeɪd-wɜːk $ -wɜːrk/
noun [uncountable] hard work that has to be done in preparation before something can happen
Synonym : legwork:
Most of the spadework had been done by 1981. [TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲