Keep your nose to the grindstone

Meaning

Work diligently without distraction.

Usage

Encourages sustained focus on a task.

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.

Mill workers keeping their faces close to grinding stones while sharpening tools.

Recorded in English since the 16th century.