in harness

Idioms  

1. On duty or at work. For example, Despite his illness he's determined to continue in harness. It also is put as be back in harness, meaning “to return to duty or work,” as in After a long vacation she's finally back in harness. This expression alludes to horses harnessed to perform work. [First half of 1800s] Also see die with one's boots on (in harness).

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Example Sentences

France-based stars Marcos Kremer and Juan Cruz Mallia, who missed the two Test defeats by England in July, are back in harness, while eight of the starting XV are established Prem performers.

From BBC

To his credit, he did not ask any questions but simply nodded and put a horse in harness.

From Literature

Bit wear on two of the mares also suggested they were used under saddle or in harness and for breeding.

From Science Daily

Each March dozens of sled teams — many with 16 dogs in harness — make the arduous journey from the city of Anchorage to Nome, on the state’s far west coast.

From Seattle Times

“If I get back in harness, it’s not just about singing, it’s about promotion, it’s about playing, it’s about the radio, politics, business, blah, blah, blah,” he said, with a wave of his hand.

From New York Times

Related Words

• engaged
• hired
• occupied