at the coal face
English edit
Etymology edit
From being in a coal mine, at the face where the mining is actually occurring, especially in dark, cramped, dirty, hazardous conditions. Compare front line and trenches, of similar formation.
Pronunciation edit
Audio (AU): (file)
Prepositional phrase edit
- (UK, idiomatic) Directly engaged in the operations of a business, rather than in a hands-off, managerial position.
Synonyms edit
See also edit
- chalkface
- codeface
- front line
- day-to-day
- hands-on
- nitty-gritty
- nuts and bolts
- on the tools
- roll up one's sleeves
References edit
- Re: "at the coal face...", posted by Lewis on June 21, 2004, The Phrase Finder