Put your shoulder to the wheel: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Put your shoulder to the wheel” mean?

"Put your shoulder to the wheel" means to work hard and make a strong effort to achieve something.

What context can I use the in?

Example

If we want to finish this project on time, we all need to put our shoulder to the wheel.

Example

He's always willing to put his shoulder to the wheel and help out when needed.

Example

I know it's tough, but we have to put our shoulder to the wheel and push through

Is “Put your shoulder to the wheel” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Put your shoulder to the wheel” 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 “Put your shoulder to the wheel” effectively in context?

You can use "Put your shoulder to the wheel" to encourage someone to work hard and make a strong effort to achieve something. It emphasizes the need for everyone to contribute and collaborate. For example, if you're working on a group project and want to motivate your team, you might say, 'If we want to finish this project on time, we all need to put our shoulder to the wheel.'

• 1. Teamwork

  To meet the deadline, everyone in the team had to put their shoulder to the wheel and work extra hours.

• 2. Helping Others

  He's always willing to put his shoulder to the wheel and help out when needed.

• 3. Perseverance

  I know it's tough, but we have to put our shoulder to the wheel and push through.

Similar phrases to “Put your shoulder to the wheel”:

Roll up one's sleeves

To prepare for hard work or physical labor

Example

We need to roll up our sleeves and get this job done.

Give it your all

To put forth maximum effort and dedication

Example

In the final game, they gave it their all and won the championship.

Go the extra mile

To make an additional effort beyond what is expected

Example

To impress the boss, she always goes the extra mile in her work.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Put your shoulder to the wheel” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Put your shoulder to the wheel" is unknown.

Is “Put your shoulder to the wheel” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Put your shoulder to the wheel" is a well-known expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to encourage others to work hard and make a strong effort towards a goal.

What tone does “Put your shoulder to the wheel” have?

"Put your shoulder to the wheel" conveys a tone of determination and collaboration. It's often used in a supportive context to motivate individuals or teams to put in their best effort.

Can “Put your shoulder to the wheel” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Put your shoulder to the wheel" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of hard work and dedication. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional correspondence.

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

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'We all need to put our shoulder to the wheel and work together.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "put your shoulder to the wheel"!' to imply readiness to work hard.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• work hard
• make a strong effort
• give your best
• put in the effort
• exert yourself

Antonyms

• take it easy
• slack off
• be lazy
• lose focus
• give up