Keep your nose to the grindstone

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Meaning

To work hard and steady, focused down.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to mills; 'nose to grindstone' meant close work, slang by 1828 for effort. A 1850s Dickens hint reflects a tool-sharpening age and work's sweat.

Usage Examples

  • Keep your nose to the grindstone; finish it!
  • He kept his nose to the grindstone all week.
  • Nose to the grindstone; she aced the test.

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