nose to the grindstone

nose to the grindstone

A phrase said of one who is working hard and/or diligently on something. Sometimes used as an imperative. I'm so impressed your grades, honey—you really put your nose to the grindstone this year, and it paid off! I've got to keep my nose to the grindstone if I'm going to get this promotion. We need to finish this project tonight! Nose to the grindstone, people!
See also: grindstone, nose
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • have (one's) nose to the grindstone
  • grindstone
  • keep (one's) nose to the grindstone
  • keep nose to the grindstone
  • keep your nose to the grindstone
  • nose to the grindstone, keep one's
  • put (one's) nose to the grindstone
  • put nose to the grindstone
  • hard at (something)
  • hard at it
References in periodicals archive
She smiles: "I've been with my nose to the grindstone for so long working, I haven't had too much time for pride.
A manager must, so to speak, keep his nose to the grindstone while lifting his eyes to the hills-quite an acrobat feat.
But we tell him to just keep his nose to the grindstone, keep on pushing and keep playing the game."
So "nose to the grindstone" comes from the steel industry, or "potholes", that comes from potters - they used to dig in the ground to get the clay out so they'd leave big holes everywhere.
She had to learn her audition song, and really put her nose to the grindstone in rehearsals.
They get the nose to the grindstone, and may be doing important work, but they forget to dream.
This has nothing to do with censorship and everything to do with keeping your nose to the grindstone.
IF you are putting your nose to the grindstone to find your next perfect property, then perhaps Henwood Mill in Catherine De Barnes will fit the bill.
She also sought to join the leadership meetings for the different business units and put her nose to the grindstone to learn the company's business.
The winger has had his nose to the grindstone in training to work his way back into Aitor Karanka's plans after a dressing room bust-up and a subsequent transfer request.
Your instinct for helping others, pitching in, and putting your nose to the grindstone means that you likely enjoy many social connections.
This is why the DFA continues to draw men and women who "keep their nose to the grindstone, while setting their eyes to the stars."
They made it into the middle class because at that time, hard work was all that was required: keep your nose to the grindstone and you can afford a house, education for your children, even vacations.
"Shifting Gears To Your Life & Work After Retirement" reveals how to engage your energy and vitality; stimulate your mind; enhance your physical capabilities, keep you involved, relevant and productive for the next three or more decade--but without tying you down completely, nose to the grindstone, as you were during your pre-retirement work life.
The story was thirty years of her nose to the grindstone, making every effort to provide for her children so they would not suffer as a result of their circumstances.