Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone” mean?

"Keeping One's Nose to the Grindstone" means consistently and diligently working hard.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He's been keeping his nose to the grindstone to meet the deadline.

Example

She's always keeping her nose to the grindstone to achieve her goals.

Example

They were praised for keeping their noses to the grindstone during the project

Is “Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone” 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 “Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone” effectively in context?

You can use "Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone" to describe someone who is working hard and diligently. It emphasizes the idea of staying focused and dedicated to a task or goal. For example, if a colleague is consistently putting in extra hours to meet a deadline, you might say, 'He's been keeping his nose to the grindstone to meet the deadline.'

• 1. Work

  She's always keeping her nose to the grindstone to achieve her goals.

• 2. Personal Development

  To improve his skills, he decided to keep his nose to the grindstone and practice every day.

• 3. Teamwork

  They were praised for keeping their noses to the grindstone during the project.

Similar phrases to “Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone”:

Put one's shoulder to the wheel

To work hard and make a determined effort

Example

She put her shoulder to the wheel and completed the project ahead of schedule.

Burn the midnight oil

To work late into the night

Example

He burned the midnight oil to prepare for the exam.

Go the extra mile

To make an additional effort or go beyond what is expected

Example

They went the extra mile to ensure customer satisfaction.

Give it one's all

To put forth maximum effort

Example

She gave it her all and won the competition.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone" is unknown.

Is “Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone" is a common idiom in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe someone who is hardworking and dedicated to their tasks or goals.

What tone does “Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone” have?

"Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone" conveys a tone of diligence and perseverance. It suggests that the person is committed to their work and willing to put in the necessary effort to achieve their objectives.

Can “Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Keeping One’s Nose to the Grindstone" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that describes a strong work ethic and dedication. You can use it in conversations with friends, colleagues, and superiors, as well as in professional settings such as meetings or presentations.

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

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He's been keeping his nose to the grindstone to meet the deadline.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to keep your nose to the grindstone!' to imply the need for hard work and focus.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• work one's fingers to the bone
• stay on task
• stay focused
• be diligent
• be industrious

Antonyms

• take it easy
• procrastinate
• slack off
• be lazy
• lose focus