Why do they say nose to the grindstone?
Phrases.uk.org suggests that it came from the habit of “millers who checked that the stones used for grinding cereal weren’t overheating by putting their nose to the stone in order to smell any burning.”
Is nose to the grindstone a metaphor?
A grindstone is a revolving stone that hones or polishes, so we put our noses to the grindstone, figuratively speaking, when we work hard. And the albatross around our necks symbolizes a burden of distress that hinders action.
What does back to the grindstone mean?
It means “to return to work” / “to return to a tedious task”. A related idiom is “put your nose to the grindstone” or simply “nose to the grindstone!” which means “to intensely concentrate on one’s work” especially where that work is boring or tedious.
What does fly off the handle?
informal. : to lose control of one’s emotions : to become very angry He tends to fly off the handle when people disagree with him.
What does grindstone mean?
A grindstone is a device for sharpening metal tools. If someone tells you to “keep your nose to the grindstone,” they basically mean “work hard!” This colloquial phrase comes from the old-fashioned practice of knife grinders keeping their faces extremely close to the grindstone as they worked.
Was hard at the grindstone?
nose to the grindstone, keep one’s Stay hard at work, as in We expect John to get good grades again, since he really keeps his nose to the grindstone. This expression, first recorded in 1539, alludes to a tool that must be sharpened by being held to a grindstone.
How do you repair with grindstone?
There are a couple of different uses for the Grindstone. First, you can repair items with it. To do so, put two items of the same type into it and whichever piece you place in the top slot will be repaired by sacrificing the one at the bottom.
Why do we say apple of my eye?
In ancient times, the pupil was believed to be a round, solid object comparable to an apple. Since the pupil is essential to vision, it was held to be something very precious. Thus, when you call someone the “apple of your eye,” you are telling them that they are cherished.
What does no skin off my nose mean?
informal. —used to say that someone does not care or does not have a strong opinion about something Go if you like—it’s no skin off my nose.
What’s the meaning of fly into a rage?
: to suddenly become extremely angry.
Why do we say Keep your nose to the Grindstone?
What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Keep your nose to the grindstone’? There are two rival explanations as to the origin of this phrase. One is that it comes from the supposed habit of millers who checked that the stones used for grinding cereal weren’t overheating, by putting their nose to the stone in order to smell any burning.
What does to put your nose to the Grindstone?
To keep your nose to the grindstone is to apply yourself conscientiously to your work . What’s the origin of the phrase ‘Keep your nose to the grindstone’? There are two rival explanations as to the origin of this phrase.
What is the origin of the expression nose to the Grindstone?
The phrase appears in print at various dates since the 16th century. It was well-enough known in rural USA in the early 20th century for this picture, which alludes to the ‘holding someone’s nose to the grindstone’ version of the phrase, to have been staged as a joke (circa 1910).
What does keep your nose to the ground mean?
nose to the grindstone (plural noses to the grindstone or noses to grindstones) (idiomatic, after keep, put, have, hold (one’s)) used to form idioms meaning “to work hard, or focus heavily on work.”. If he’d keep his nose to the grindstone a bit more, he could be a pretty good student.