Chug along

[Raf]

Hi everybody,
what does the phrase "to chug along" exactly mean? And is it pejorative or neutral?
Thanks!

[Mister Micawber]

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I think it is intrinsically neutral, though it can be coloured in either direction with tone and context. To chug along is to progress consistently, regularly and (usually) slowly (though it can also refer to rapidity).
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Native English teacher at Mister Micawber's