Ermes  +  224603 Thu, 11 May 06 07:03 PM I am familiar with the expression "to keep one's nose to the grindstone" meaning "toapply oneself conscientiously to one's work". But what does this variant mean? "It's nose to the grindstone" Thanks in advance, Andrea Ermes Joined on Mon, Mar 6 2006 New Member 07

	Ermes  +  224636 Thu, 11 May 06 08:43 PM Here's the context: <If I manage to finish my module writing I'll be in school. If not-it's nose to the grindstone... > Ermes

	Grammar Geek  +  224643 Thu, 11 May 06 09:28 PM He just means that he will be in a situation in which he must keep his nose to the grindstone. Grammar Geek Joined on Tue, Jan 10 2006 Veteran Member 19,650 Barbara, who answers in American English. My housekeeping skills attest to the truth of the second law of thermodynamics: Left to themselves, things get more and more random!

	davkett  +  224648 Thu, 11 May 06 09:40 PM Well, it means the same thing as usual.  Here, it is just an abbreviation of the phrase.  If I  don't manage to finish my module writing, I'll have to put my nose to the grindstone, (it will be necessary for me to bear down, concentrate on the module writing, and get it done). One might also punctuate it like this:  If not, it's "nose to the grindstone" for me.  EDIT:  Sorry, GG, I.was writing at the same time...but taking longer.     davkett Abbreviations