put / keep / set / have one's shoulder to the wheel

/pˌʊt kˈiːp sˈɛt hav wˈɒnz ʃˈəʊldə tə ðə wˈiːl/

/pˌʊt kˈiːp sˈɛt hæv wˈʌnz ʃˈoʊldɚ tə ðə wˈiːl/

[phrase]

to put / keep / set / have one's shoulder to the wheel

[PHRASE]

to start something in a very energetic and determined manner

synonyms : keep one's nose to the grindstone

peg away

plug away

slog

to [put|keep|set|have] {one's} [shoulder] to the wheel definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "put one's shoulder to the wheel" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "put one's shoulder to the wheel" can be traced back to a literal practice in the early days of industrialization. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the phrase referred to the act of physically pushing or turning a wheel, often in the context of machinery or transportation.

Examples

1. This is one of our top cultural projects, for which we are putting our shoulders to the wheel with great enthusiasm.

2. I know that the new deadline is tight, but if everyone sets their shoulders to the wheel, I know we can get it done in time!

3. Young is a former county official and a Pentecostal minister with a reputation for keeping his shoulder to the wheel and free of chips.

4. After nearly being expelled my first year of college, I had my shoulder to the wheel so that I could get as much out of my degree as possible.