Meaning: This idiom means to return to work or a task, especially one that is tedious, monotonous, or requires hard work. It implies resuming efforts after a break or period of relaxation.
Usage in Example Sentences:
- “After a long weekend, it’s time to get back to the grindstone.”
- “Vacation’s over, so it’s back to the grindstone with early mornings and long hours.”
- “She enjoyed her holidays but knew she had to get back to the grindstone to meet her deadlines.”
Origin: The origin of the idiom “back to the grindstone” dates back to the use of grindstones in sharpening tools. A grindstone is a revolving stone disk used for grinding, sharpening, or polishing metal objects. The phrase evokes the image of laborious, repetitive work, where a person has to stay focused and dedicated to a task. This metaphor has evolved to describe returning to any form of work, particularly tasks that require diligence and effort, after a period of rest or distraction.
