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Region: General | Usage example: Keep your nose to the grindstone and finish the report.

Nose to the grindstone

Meaning

Work persistently and diligently.

Usage

Used to praise sustained effort.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Grinding grain required leaning forward, nose near the grindstone.

Common in 19th-century industrial writing.

Related Idioms

Keep your nose to the grindstone

Work diligently without distraction.

Follow your nose

Trust your instincts.

Pay through the nose

Pay a very high price.

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.