puts one's shoulder to the wheel
Dives into work
To put one's shoulder to the wheel is to apply oneself with serious effort, especially to a difficult or demanding task.
The image comes from pushing a stuck cart or wagon—you lean in and push where it counts.
It's time to stop complaining and put your shoulder to the wheel.
- dig inBegin a meal
- get stuck inStart with enthusiasm
- toilStrenuous, prolonged effort
- perseveranceSustained resolve despite obstacles
- exertionVigorous physical effort
nose to the grindstone · diligence · cooperation · ambition · resolve · synergy · productivity · solidarity · endeavor · buckle down · grind · hustle · grit · elbow grease · heavy lifting · camaraderie · willpower · work ethic
puts one's shoulder to the wheelslacks off
Reduces effort deliberately
loafs · shirks · sits on one's hands · idles · coasts
puts one's shoulder to the wheelfree rides
Transport at no cost
passes the buck · checks out · drops the ball · opts out · disengages
put, puts, putting, one, ones, oneself, shoulder, shoulders, shouldered