Wiktionary
n. Physical labor of a type that causes the laborer to sweat and become thirsty.
Wikipedia
Thirsty Work is the twenty-first studio album by English Rock band Status Quo. It yielded three hit singles, 'I Didn't Mean It' (No. 21), 'Sherri Don't Fail Me Now' (No. 38), and the uncharacteristic ballad 'Restless' (No. 39). 'Sorry' had originally been recorded by Demis Roussos and released on his 1980 album 'Man of the World', with Francis Rossi and Bernie Frost on all instruments and backing vocals.
Usage examples of "thirsty work".
The drinks, in view of the coming drought and the thirsty work ahead, were long ad deep, and new courage and vindictiveness crept through their veins.
Getting threatened by your partner can be pretty thirsty work, so after he finished talking I moseyed on over to the local pub, where I ordered a bottle of beer, and started carrying it to a table in the corner.
The sun was sharp and hot this day where the shade failed to screen away its light, and the climb was thirsty work.