nose to the grindstone

Etymology
From the literal action of intensely working a grindstone, whether powered by a treadle or waterwheel. The expression initially implied punishment or abusive management, forcing the worker into intense work, and was used in the anonymous 1557 translation of 's Merry Dialogue as a hyperbolic punishment threatened for an abusive husband. It was later adapted to forcing oneself into similarly intense effort.

Noun

 * ,, A Mirrour or Glasse to Know Thyselfe, sig. Avi v:
 * This Text holdeth their noses so hard to the grynde stone that it clean disfigureth their faces.
 * 1) * 1546, John Heywood, A Dialogue Conteinyng the Nomber in Effect of All the Prouerbes in the Englishe Tongue, sig. Bii:
 * I shall to reuenge former hurts, Hold their noses to grinstone.
 * I shall to reuenge former hurts, Hold their noses to grinstone.

Usage notes
Variously placed after the verbs, , , , , &c. or used as a substantive adjective.

Synonyms

 * see

Translations

 * Finnish:, herkeämättä, hartiavoimin
 * German: sich dahinterklemmen, sich abschinden, sich
 * Italian: lavoratore incallito, lavoratore indefesso
 * Spanish: dar el callo, andar a la brega

Adverb

 * 1)  Hard at work.