Nose to the Grindstone — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

To work very hard and focus seriously on a task.

When you keep your nose to the grindstone, you stay disciplined and put in consistent effort without getting distracted.

It is used to describe someone who works with dedication and does not let up.

Use it when…

When someone needs to focus and work hard to meet a deadline
When a person is putting in long hours to finish an important project
When you encourage someone to stay focused and not get sidetracked

Don’t confuse with...

"Burn the Midnight Oil"

—

Working very late into the night to get something done

"Pull Your Weight"

—

Doing your fair share of work within a group or team

"Nose to the Grindstone"

—

Staying focused and working hard consistently without distraction

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Nose to the Grindstone" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Management

A manager tells the team to keep their noses to the grindstone if they want to hit the quarterly target.

Relationships & Social Life

Family

A parent tells their child to keep their nose to the grindstone during exam season.

Media & Everyday Life

Interviews

An entrepreneur says in an interview that keeping his nose to the grindstone in the early years was what made the business survive.

‹›

Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Nose to the Grindstone" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Talking to Boss

Boss

We only have two weeks left before the launch — how are you holding up?

You

Keeping my nose to the grindstone — I'll have everything ready in time.

Relationships

Giving Advice

You

The exam is in three days and I haven't reviewed half the material.

Friend

Then keep your nose to the grindstone this weekend — no distractions.

Everyday Conversations

Storytelling

Friend

How did you manage to finish your degree while working full time?

You

I just kept my nose to the grindstone — it wasn't glamorous but it worked.

‹›

Last updated:

April 20, 2026

Become an Insider

Get exclusive invitations to try our new English online courses FOR FREE.

Enjoy special discounts and unique offers for club members only!

Become an Insider

Tell us a bit about you to unlock more relevant content and insider perks.

Where do you want to improve your English?*

Helps us tailor content to you.

Select an option

Where are you based? (optional)

Select country

What's your native language? (optional)

Select language

First Name (optional)

I consent to theidiomdaily.com collecting and storing my data for the purpose of sending newsletters, updates, and promotional content. I understand that I can unsubscribe at any time by using the link provided in the emails. By checking this box, I agree to the Privacy Policy.

You’re in! Welcome to
the Insider Club.

Oops! Something went wrong. Please try again.

Unsubscribe
anytime.

Trusted by

1.5M+

English learners &
teachers worldwide