Plod along
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence Implied
Implies ongoing effort in a challenging or weary task. 
She continued to plod along with her project despite the setbacks.
Pro Tip 2/3Slow Progress
Suggests slow but steady advancement. 
He plodded along on his thesis, one page at a time.
Pro Tip 3/3No Quick Finish
Signals that a task will take longer than desired. 
We're just plodding along with the renovations at this point.