Phrase guide

put one's shoulder to the wheel

verb · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

No pronunciation record was provided for this word.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To work hard, to complete an activity with one's complete effort and focus.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

Examples

  • When he got to law school he knew he'd have to put his shoulder to the wheel to succeed.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

From the literal action of attempting to free a cart from a rut or muddy ground.