grindstone

American  

[grahynd-stohn] / ˈgraɪndˌstoʊn /

noun

1. a rotating solid stone wheel used for sharpening, shaping, etc.

2. a millstone.

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idioms

1. keep / put one's nose to the grindstone, to work, study, or practice hard and steadily or to cause someone to do so.

   If I put my nose to the grindstone, I'll finish the job this week.

grindstone British  

/ ˈɡraɪndˌstəʊn /

noun

1. 1. a machine having a circular block of stone or composite abrasive rotated for sharpening tools or grinding metal

   2. the stone used in this machine

   3. any stone used for sharpening; whetstone

2. another name for millstone

3. to work hard and perseveringly

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grindstone More Idioms  

1. see nose to the grindstone.

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Etymology

Origin of grindstone

1175–1225; Middle English. See grind, stone

Example Sentences

If she works hard, keeps her nose to the grindstone, and remains diligent, within a few years she might even find herself making six figures.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 27, 2024

The average person who “just puts their nose to the grindstone and goes to work, I don’t think that motivates them. I think it scares them and freezes them.”

From Seattle Times • Feb. 17, 2024

Ms. Ward, a mother of three sons and a grandmother, did allow herself to enjoy the achievement just a little before putting her nose back to the grindstone.

From Washington Times • Mar. 22, 2023

Even if you can’t permanently retire from the full-time grindstone, your low expenses buy you a lot of flexibility.

From Slate • Feb. 13, 2023

One, I know, was hooked up to a grindstone, another to a circular saw.

From "Z for Zachariah" by Robert C. O’Brien

Related Words

• assignment
• burden
• business
• duty
• effort
• exercise
• function
• project
• responsibility
• undertaking
• work