駄だ馬ば

noun

packhorse; workhorse; hack

Refers to a horse used for carrying loads or heavy labor, often implying an ordinary, sturdy animal rather than a fine riding horse. Can also be used figuratively for a dependable but unglamorous worker.

• 昔むかし、山やま道みちでは駄だ馬ばが荷に物もつを運はこんでいた。

  In the old days, packhorses carried goods along mountain paths.

• 彼かれは会かい社しゃの駄だ馬ばのように働はたらいている。

  He works like a workhorse for the company.