When one is at work and doing personal business, such as fixing the garage remote or looking up traveling directions.
Ozzy did some nice government work for me yesterday when he installed that mod chip into my Playstation.
by Kenvin October 5, 2006
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When you measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, and cut it with a chainsaw.
by Ga Bubblehead November 10, 2017
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Probably not the best, but what the hell, at least we got the job done to minimally acceptable standards.
Max: "Hey, you done trimming those shrubs?"

Minnie: "I don't know, they look a little uneven yet..."

Max: "Nah, that's good enough for government work, let's go get a beer!"
by smendler September 20, 2010
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Stopping work on a task without performing the extra steps necessary to complete it to a high standard of quality.
I didn't pull the weeds from around the garage, but the lawn looks close enough for government work.
by Geekzapoppin October 3, 2005
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A phrase used to describe the quality of work difference of that of private enterprise and the government.
BILL: I think we should start over, we did not do such a good job. Someone may get hurt.

WALTER: Don't worry, its close enough for government work.
by word genie October 3, 2005
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A Lowest Bidder's or Military Grade standard of consistent and adequate, but otherwise unimpressive work, without the quality of a competitive market. A done job. Not well done, but done.

This can also apply to imprecise but likewise adequate usage of deadly force with too much time and budget constraints to perfectly avoid all collateral damage and casualties.
Person 1: The rifle can just barely hit a watermelon at 500 yards's distance.

Person 2: It's not a sniper rifle. That sort of accuracy is more than accurate enough for government work.
by oron61 April 7, 2022
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