Eager Beaver

Photo of a beaver
An eager beaver is a person who is very enthusiastic and ready to work hard, sometimes more than others expect. It is often used for someone who quickly volunteers to help or take on extra tasks.

The phrase comes from the beaver, an animal known for working hard to build dams and lodges. Because beavers are seen as busy and industrious, the expression became a way to describe a very eager worker.

She was an eager beaver and finished the project early.