To keep one's nose to the grindstone

To keep one's nose to the grindstone
Grindstone Grind"stone`, n. A flat, circular stone, revolving on an axle, for grinding or sharpening tools, or shaping or smoothing objects. [1913 Webster]

{To hold one's nose to the grindstone}, {To bring one's nose to the grindstone}, to oppress one; to keep one in a condition of servitude.

{To put one's nose to the grindstone} (a) to oppress one; to cause one to work hard and steadily. (b) to set oneself to a long and arduous task.

{To keep one's nose to the grindstone} to continue at a long and arduous task; to apply oneself steadily to one's duties. [1913 Webster +PJC]

They might be ashamed, for lack of courage, to suffer the Laced[ae]monians to hold their noses to the grindstone. --Sir T. North. [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.

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  • keep one's nose to the grindstone — or[have one s nose to the grindstone] or[hold one s nose to the grindstone] {v. phr.}, {informal} To work hard all the time; keep busy with boring or tiresome work. * /Sarah keeps her nose to the grindstone and saves as much as possible to start… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • keep one's nose to the grindstone — or[have one s nose to the grindstone] or[hold one s nose to the grindstone] {v. phr.}, {informal} To work hard all the time; keep busy with boring or tiresome work. * /Sarah keeps her nose to the grindstone and saves as much as possible to start… …   Dictionary of American idioms

  • keep\ one's\ nose\ to\ the\ grindstone — • keep one s nose to the grindstone • have one s nose to the grindstone • hold one s nose to the grindstone v. phr. informal To work hard all the time; keep busy with boring or tiresome work. Sarah keeps her nose to the grindstone and saves as… …   Словарь американских идиом

  • keep one's nose to the grindstone — ► keep one s nose to the grindstone work hard and continuously. Main Entry: ↑grindstone …   English terms dictionary

  • keep one's nose to the grindstone — verb work doggedly or persistently She keeps plugging away at her dissertation • Syn: ↑plug away, ↑peg away, ↑slog, ↑keep one s shoulder to the wheel • Derivationally related forms: ↑slogger ( …   Useful english dictionary

  • keep one's nose to the grindstone — work very hard He has been keeping his nose to the grindstone recently and I haven t had a chance to see him …   Idioms and examples

  • To bring one's nose to the grindstone — Grindstone Grind stone , n. A flat, circular stone, revolving on an axle, for grinding or sharpening tools, or shaping or smoothing objects. [1913 Webster] {To hold one s nose to the grindstone}, {To bring one s nose to the grindstone}, to… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • To hold one's nose to the grindstone — Grindstone Grind stone , n. A flat, circular stone, revolving on an axle, for grinding or sharpening tools, or shaping or smoothing objects. [1913 Webster] {To hold one s nose to the grindstone}, {To bring one s nose to the grindstone}, to… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • To put one's nose to the grindstone — Grindstone Grind stone , n. A flat, circular stone, revolving on an axle, for grinding or sharpening tools, or shaping or smoothing objects. [1913 Webster] {To hold one s nose to the grindstone}, {To bring one s nose to the grindstone}, to… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • have\ one's\ nose\ to\ the\ grindstone — • keep one s nose to the grindstone • have one s nose to the grindstone • hold one s nose to the grindstone v. phr. informal To work hard all the time; keep busy with boring or tiresome work. Sarah keeps her nose to the grindstone and saves as… …   Словарь американских идиом

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