Government work

“Government work” is what one does for oneself in a shop on company time using company tools, machinery and materials. “Government work” “hides” the fact that you are stealing company resources by implying that it’s a secret, off the books, project. But since everyone knows what “government work” means you really aren’t hiding anything, you’re sharing an inside joke.

When someone says “that’s good enough for government work,” they are admitting that they are doing less than perfect work because it’s just for their personal use.

Worker 1: What’s that? It doesn’t look like any of our usual products.
Worker 2: I can’t tell you, It’s government work.
Worker 1: It looks like a part for your new motorcycle.
Worker 2: I could tell you but then I’d have to kill you.
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Worker 1: That part you’re working on will never pass inspection.
Worker 2: Doesn’t matter, it’s government work.