nose to the grindstone

N

nose to the grindstone (idiom)
/noʊz tu ðə ˈɡraɪndˌstoʊn/

Variants

• keep your nose to the grindstone
• put your nose to the grindstone
• have your nose to the grindstone
• got your nose to the grindstone
• with nose to the grindstone

Meaning

1. Keep working hard without taking breaks, especially on a task that requires focus and effort over a long time.
2. Maintain strong dedication and effort toward completing something, often without complaining or losing concentration.
3. Show consistent diligence and perseverance, especially in a professional or academic setting where productivity matters.
4. Apply oneself fully and seriously to a job or duty, giving it your full attention and effort day after day.
5. Push through work with determination, ignoring distractions or personal discomfort to achieve a goal.

Example Sentences

1. You’ll do well here if you keep your nose to the grindstone and stay focused.
2. She decided to put her nose to the grindstone and finish the book by Friday.
3. He had his nose to the grindstone all week, preparing for the big client meeting.
4. I’ve got my nose to the grindstone lately trying to catch up on deadlines.
5. With nose to the grindstone, they managed to complete the entire renovation in two days.
6. If you keep your nose to the grindstone, your hard work will eventually pay off.

Origin and History

Earliest Recorded Usage

The earliest known printed instance of this idiom appears in John Frith’s 1532 work, A Mirrour or Glasse to Know Thyselfe:​

“This Text holdeth their noses so hard to the grindstone, that it clean disfigureth their faces.”​

This usage suggests a metaphorical interpretation, indicating intense pressure or laborious effort. Given Frith’s English origin, it’s reasonable to deduce that the phrase originated in England.

Theories on Origin

The Knife Grinder’s Posture

A widely accepted theory posits that the phrase derives from the posture of knife grinders. These workers would bend over or lie close to the grindstone to sharpen blades, positioning their faces near the rotating stone. This imagery aligns with the notion of being absorbed in meticulous work.

The Miller’s Olfactory Check

Another theory suggests that millers would place their noses close to the millstones to detect overheating by smell. However, this explanation is less favored, as millstones and grindstones were distinct tools, and the phrase specifically mentions “grindstone.”

Punitive Origins

Some interpretations consider the phrase’s origin in punitive practices, where individuals were forced to keep their noses to the grindstone as a form of punishment. This perspective emphasizes the aspect of enforced labor or discipline.

Aromatherapeutic Hypothesis

A more imaginative theory suggests that ancient workers discovered certain stones emitted invigorating scents when ground, leading them to inhale these aromas to boost focus. While creative, this explanation lacks historical evidence and is generally regarded as fictional.

Synonyms

1. keep your head down
2. put your shoulder to the wheel
3. buckle down
4. get down to business
5. apply yourself
6. work like a dog
7. grind away
8. burn the midnight oil
9. slave away
10. stay focused
11. stay on task
12. hunker down

Nose, Work