keeping one's nose to the grindstone

The phrase "keeping one's nose to the grindstone" means to work diligently and persistently, without getting distracted or losing focus. It refers to staying committed and focused on tasks, often involving hard work and effort, to achieve a goal or desired outcome. The notion of a "grindstone" highlights the idea of using sharp stones to sharpen a blade, representing the effort and dedication required to constantly improve and refine one's skills or abilities.