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Region: General | Usage example: After the break it was back to the salt mines.

Back to the salt mines

Meaning

Return to tedious work.

Usage

Used humorously when reentering dull routines.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Hard labor in salt mines evoked drudgery.

Used by soldiers returning to barracks in the early 20th century.

Related Idioms

Back to the drawing board

Return to planning stage after a failure.

Get back in the saddle

Return to an activity after a setback.

Back to square one

Return to the beginning after a failed effort.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.