grindstone
Americannoun
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a rotating solid stone wheel used for sharpening, shaping, etc.
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a millstone.
idioms
noun
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a machine having a circular block of stone or composite abrasive rotated for sharpening tools or grinding metal
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the stone used in this machine
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any stone used for sharpening; whetstone
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another name for millstone
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to work hard and perseveringly
Etymology
Origin of grindstone
Explanation
A grindstone is a device for sharpening metal tools. If you're a farmer, or an ax-wielding goblin in a fantasy novel, you might be in need of a grindstone. Classic grindstones are wheels made of stone that hone the edges of metal blades held against them as they rotate. You might use such a grindstone to sharpen your shovel or pruning shears. 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.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Only two Louisiana Derby winners have also captured the Kentucky Derby: Black Gold in 1924 and Grindstone in 1996.
From Washington Post • Apr. 27, 2021
The last horse to win the Derby without Lasix was Grindstone in 1996.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 27, 2021
In that case, Grindstone was sidelined by bone chips in his knee.
From Los Angeles Times • May 17, 2019
One ideal location was discovered in the early 1970s at Campbell Farm in Grindstone.
From Washington Times • Mar. 20, 2017
They were a terrible storm at last, but Cecil clung to Rosamond through all, absolutely screaming when Grindstone came near; poor Grindstone who had been so devoted, though mistaken.
From The Three Brides by Yonge, Charlotte Mary
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
