set (one's) shoulder to the wheel



set (one's) shoulder to the wheel

To make a sustained, concentrated, and vigorous effort; to work very hard and diligently. After I was nearly expelled in my first year of college, I decided to stop fooling around, set my shoulder to the wheel, and get as much out of my degree as I could. 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!
See also: set, shoulder, wheel

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
NoraNAWR-ə (English), NO-rah (German)Irish, English, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish, German, Dutch, Italian
JennaJEN-ə (English), YEN-nah (Finnish)English, Finnish
LourenÇOlaw-REN-soo (Portuguese), law-REN-soo (Brazilian Portuguese)Portuguese
JamieJAY-meeScottish, English
Mccoy[mə'kɔi]
Ronnie['rɔni]