like a trojan
Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)
Trojan \Tro"jan\, a. [L. Trojanus, fr. Troja, Troia, Troy, from Tros, Gr. Trw`s, Trwo`s, Tros, the mythical founder of Troy.]
1.Of or pertaining to ancient Troy or its inhabitants. -- n. A native or inhabitant of Troy. [1913 Webster]
2.One who shows the pluck, endurance, determined energy, strength, or the like, attributed to the defenders of Troy; -- used chiefly or only in the phrase
like a Trojan; as, he endured the pain like a Trojan; he studies like a Trojan. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]
Tim jumped like a Trojan from the bed.— Finnegan's Wake (Irish song)[PJC]