At the coalface: Learn what the means through example!

What does “At the coalface” mean?

"At the coalface" means being actively involved in the most important or basic part of a task or job.

What context can I use the in?

Example

The CEO is not afraid to get at the coalface and work alongside the employees.

Example

As a teacher, I spend most of my time at the coalface with the students.

Example

The chef prefers to be at the coalface in the kitchen, rather than managing from the office

Is “At the coalface” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“At the coalface” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “At the coalface” effectively in context?

You can use "At the coalface" to describe someone who is actively involved in the most important or basic part of a task or job. It emphasizes the idea of being hands-on and directly engaged in the core activities of a job or project. For example, if a manager is actively working alongside their team instead of delegating tasks, you might say, 'The CEO is not afraid to get at the coalface and work alongside the employees.'

• 1. Business

  The CEO is not afraid to get at the coalface and work alongside the employees.

• 2. Education

  As a teacher, I spend most of my time at the coalface with the students.

• 3. Hospitality

  The chef prefers to be at the coalface in the kitchen, rather than managing from the office.

Similar phrases to “At the coalface”:

Roll up one's sleeves

To prepare for hard work or physical labor

Example

He rolled up his sleeves and got to work on the construction site.

Get one's hands dirty

To actively participate in a task or project, especially one that requires physical effort

Example

She wasn't afraid to get her hands dirty and help with the heavy lifting.

Be in the trenches

To be actively involved in the most difficult or challenging aspects of a job or situation

Example

He was always in the trenches, working long hours to meet deadlines.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “At the coalface” come from?

The origin of the phrase "At the coalface" is unknown.

Is “At the coalface” common in everyday conversation?

"At the coalface" is not a very common expression in everyday conversation. It is more commonly used in specific industries or contexts where being actively involved in the core tasks of a job is valued.

What tone does “At the coalface” have?

"At the coalface" conveys a tone of dedication and hands-on involvement. It suggests a strong work ethic and a willingness to be directly engaged in the most important aspects of a task or job.

Can “At the coalface” be used in informal and formal settings?

"At the coalface" is generally used in informal settings, particularly in industries or contexts where hands-on involvement is valued. It may not be as commonly used in formal or professional settings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

"At the coalface" is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The CEO is not afraid to get at the coalface and work alongside the employees.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to get "at the coalface"!' to imply readiness for hands-on work.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• hands-on
• actively involved
• in the thick of it
• directly engaged
• in the front lines

Antonyms

• delegating
• hands-off
• managing from a distance
• removed from the action
• in the background