go back to the salt mines

go back to the salt mines

To resume one's job or daily work, especially when it is very hard or unpleasant. (Workers in salt mines were often slaves and prisoners.) Sometimes used humorously. I'm not excited to go back to the salt mines on Monday. When do you have to go back to the salt mines after your trip?
See also: back, go, mine, salt
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

go back to the salt mines

Fig. to return to one's work. (Jocular; fig. on the image of menial labor working in salt mines.) It's late. I have to go back to the salt mines. What time do you have to go back to the salt mines Monday morning?
See also: back, go, mine, salt
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • back to the salt mines
  • be all in a day's work
  • all in a day's work
  • (I) would if I could
  • this just in
  • (one's) lord and master
  • will wonders never cease
  • wonders (will) never cease
  • Wonders never cease!
  • wonders will never cease
References in periodicals archive
We will all have to go back to the salt mines, as the saying goes.
Other broadcast journalists who want to fast-track the necessary maturation process have to go back to the salt mines and eat humble pie-no shortcuts allowed!