The phrase "doing the yeoman's work" is a metaphorical idiom stemming from historical context. A yeoman, in British history, was a free man who owned his own small farm and worked it himself. These were not wealthy people, but they were above serfs and represented a solid, independent, working class.
In the context of the phrase "doing the yeoman's work," it means performing the reliable, consistent, hard work that forms the backbone of a project, task, or effort, much like a yeoman who would diligently work on his farm. It is often used to describe work that may not be glamorous or highly visible, but is crucial to the overall success of an endeavor.
For instance, in a scientific research project, the principal investigator might get the most attention for the study's results. However, lab technicians, statisticians, and research assistants who carry out experiments, collect and analyze data, and maintain equipment are "doing the yeoman's work." They are performing the essential tasks that make the research possible.
I think that pretty much describes Troy Smith. So few journalists actually investigate anything anymore. Outside of our local Fox affiliate digging into the failings of the Baltimore City school system and the MD Dept. of Ed, everyone seems content with digesting the talking points. Smith stands out because he holds the MD GOP to account for their failures.
For the record, Troy Smith is our local version of James O'Keefe. He has been doing yeoman's work exposing the political rot in MD on both sides.
ChatGPT
The phrase "doing the yeoman's work" is a metaphorical idiom stemming from historical context. A yeoman, in British history, was a free man who owned his own small farm and worked it himself. These were not wealthy people, but they were above serfs and represented a solid, independent, working class.
In the context of the phrase "doing the yeoman's work," it means performing the reliable, consistent, hard work that forms the backbone of a project, task, or effort, much like a yeoman who would diligently work on his farm. It is often used to describe work that may not be glamorous or highly visible, but is crucial to the overall success of an endeavor.
For instance, in a scientific research project, the principal investigator might get the most attention for the study's results. However, lab technicians, statisticians, and research assistants who carry out experiments, collect and analyze data, and maintain equipment are "doing the yeoman's work." They are performing the essential tasks that make the research possible.
I think that pretty much describes Troy Smith. So few journalists actually investigate anything anymore. Outside of our local Fox affiliate digging into the failings of the Baltimore City school system and the MD Dept. of Ed, everyone seems content with digesting the talking points. Smith stands out because he holds the MD GOP to account for their failures.