apply oneself
Get to work
To apply oneself is to concentrate effort on a task or goal, typically over a sustained period.
The phrase implies dedication and focus rather than casual engagement: If you'd just apply yourself, you could pass the exam.
Often used when urging someone to work harder or more seriously.
- work hardExpend serious effort
- put in the workApply consistent effort
- striveMake sustained effort
- persistContinue firmly onward
- stay the courseContinue despite difficulties
persevere · knuckle down · effort · endeavor · attentive · hunker down · committed · attempt · disciplined · labor · make an effort · roll up sleeves · diligent · toil · exert · crack on · work · assiduous
- reflexive actionshelp oneself, express oneself, behave oneself, enjoy oneself, assert oneself
- get startedget going, get moving, dig in, dive in, jump in
- attend toattend to, see to, take care of, look after, tend
apply, application, applied, applying, applicant, applicable, applies, reapply, applicator