grindstone

grindstone
grindstone (n.) early 13c. "millstone," from GRIND (Cf. grind) (v.) in sense of "sharpen" + STONE (Cf. stone) (n.); meaning "revolving stone disc used for sharpening, etc." is from c.1400. Phrase nose to the grindstone in use by 1530s; originally to get control of another and treat him harshly:
This Text holdeth their noses so hard to the grindstone, that it clean disfigureth their Faces. [John Frith, "Mirror to know Thyself," 1532]
The main modern (reflective) sense of "work hard" is from 1828.

Etymology dictionary. 2014.

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  • Grindstone — may refer to: *Grindstone (tool), the grinding tool used for sharpening *Grindstone (millstone), used to grind grains such as wheat *Grindstone (horse), 1996 Kentucky Derby winner and sire of the racehorse Birdstone * Grindstone (album), 2007… …   Wikipedia

  • Grindstone — Lugar designado por el censo de los Estados Unidos …   Wikipedia Español

  • Grindstone — Grind stone , n. A flat, circular stone, revolving on an axle, for grinding or sharpening tools, or shaping or smoothing objects. [1913 Webster] {To hold one s nose to the grindstone}, {To bring one s nose to the grindstone}, to oppress one; to… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • Grindstone — Rowes Run, PA U.S. Census Designated Place in Pennsylvania Population (2000): 1141 Housing Units (2000): 530 Land area (2000): 2.145976 sq. miles (5.558052 sq. km) Water area (2000): 0.000000 sq. miles (0.000000 sq. km) Total area (2000):… …   StarDict's U.S. Gazetteer Places

  • Grindstone, PA — Grindstone Rowes Run, PA U.S. Census Designated Place in Pennsylvania Population (2000): 1141 Housing Units (2000): 530 Land area (2000): 2.145976 sq. miles (5.558052 sq. km) Water area (2000): 0.000000 sq. miles (0.000000 sq. km) Total area… …   StarDict's U.S. Gazetteer Places

  • grindstone — [grīnd′stōn΄] n. 1. Now Rare a millstone 2. a revolving stone disk for sharpening bladed tools or shaping and polishing things keep one s nose to the grindstone or have one s nose to the grindstone or put one s nose to the grindstone to work hard …   English World dictionary

  • grindstone — ► NOUN 1) a thick revolving disc of abrasive material used for sharpening or polishing metal objects. 2) a millstone. ● keep one s nose to the grindstone Cf. ↑keep one s nose to the grindstone …   English terms dictionary

  • grindstone — UK [ˈɡraɪndˌstəʊn] / US [ˈɡraɪndˌstoʊn] noun [countable] Word forms grindstone : singular grindstone plural grindstones a piece of equipment with a large round stone that turns like a wheel. It is used for making tools sharp. • with your nose to… …   English dictionary

  • grindstone — /gruynd stohn /, n. 1. a rotating solid stone wheel used for sharpening, shaping, etc. 2. a millstone. 3. keep or 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… …   Universalium

  • grindstone — /ˈgraɪndstoʊn / (say gruyndstohn) noun 1. a rotating solid stone wheel used for sharpening, shaping, etc. 2. → millstone. –phrase 3. keep one s nose to the grindstone, to force oneself to work without respite. {Phrase Origin: from the notion that …  

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