Keep your nose to the grindstone

usgb
phrase

Work hard and constantly.

If you want to get good grades, you'll need to keep your nose to the grindstone and study hard.
Visual representation of "keep your nose to the grindstone" - Work hard and constantly

Often appears as...

  • keep one's nose to the grindstone
  • put one's nose to the grindstone

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "keep your nose to the grindstone"
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Metaphorical Origins

Understand it originally meant laboring in repetitive work, as with a manual grindstone.

Illustration for Metaphorical Origins
History shows apprentices kept their noses to the grindstone, doing tedious tasks.
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Not Always Literal

It's often used figuratively to convey dedication without actual grinding or noses involved.

Illustration for Not Always Literal
She's in the library with her nose to the grindstone, preparing for the exam.
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Perseverance Implied

Implies steady, continuous effort, similar to running long distances rather than sprinting.

Illustration for Perseverance Implied
He kept his nose to the grindstone all summer to save for college.
Visual representation of the word "Keep your nose to the grindstone"

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