Idiom: Nose To The Grindstone
Meanings
From the literal action of intensely working a grindstone, whether powered by a treadle or waterwheel. The expression initially implied punishment or abusive management, forcing the worker into intense work, and was used in the anonymous 1557 translation of Erasmus's Merry Dialogue as a hyperbolic punishment threatened for an abusive husband. It was later adapted to forcing oneself into similarly intense effort.
Used to form idioms meaning "to force someone to work hard or to focus intensely upon their work".
Used to form idioms meaning "to force oneself to work hard or to focus intensely upon one's work".
Hard at work.
Example: "Nose to the grindstone, he was up all night."
Example Sentences
1
I have been putting my nose to the grindstone to meet the deadline.
2
She kept her nose to the grindstone for hours to finish the project.
3
He is always with his nose to the grindstone, working tirelessly.
4
I need to put my nose to the grindstone and study for my upcoming exams.
5
She is determined to succeed, so she keeps her nose to the grindstone.
