expression, noun
married to one's work; work is one's lover
A set phrase describing someone so devoted to their job that it is like a romantic partner. Often used humorously or self-deprecatingly.
彼は仕事が恋人で、休日もオフィスにいる。
He is married to his work; he's at the office even on holidays.
「趣味は？」と聞かれて、「仕事が恋人です」と答えた。
When asked about hobbies, I replied, 'My work is my lover.'
A metaphorical phrase combining 仕事 (work) and 恋人 (lover), literally 'work is one's lover'. The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects a common cultural trope of extreme dedication to work.