noses to the grindstone

Noun

nose to the grindstone (plural noses to the grindstone or noses to grindstones)

1. (idiomatic, obsolete) Used to form idioms meaning "to force someone to work hard or to focus intensely upon their work".
   • This Text holdeth their noses so hard to the grynde stone that it clean disfigureth their faces.a. 1533, John Frith, A Mirrour or Glasse to Know Thyselfe, sig. Avi v
2. (idiomatic) Used to form idioms meaning "to force oneself to work hard or to focus intensely upon one's work".
   • People whose heads are a little up in the world, have no occasion to keep their nose to the grindstone.1828, Lights & Shades of English Life, volume II, page 13

See all 3 meanings of nose to the grindstone