nose to the grindstone
English
Etymology
Users lay on (often strapped to) a plank above the grindstone.[1] First attested 1532, from John Frith's A Mirror to know Thyself: "This Text holdeth their noses so hard to the grindstone, that it clean disfigureth their faces."
Adverb
nose to the grindstone (not comparable)
Noun
nose to the grindstone (plural noses to the grindstone or noses to grindstones)
- (idiomatic, after keep, put, have, hold (one's)) used to form idioms meaning "to work hard, or focus heavily on work."
- If he'd keep his nose to the grindstone a bit more, he could be a pretty good student.
Translations
Translations
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See also
References
- ^ The meaning and origin of the expression: Keep your nose to the grindstone, the Phrase Finder