head down, bum up

English

Alternative forms

• head down, ass up; head down, arse up

Etymology

From an assumed position of strenuous work. Compare nose to the grindstone.

Pronunciation

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Adverb

head down, bum up (not comparable)

1. (UK, slang) Hard at work; preparing oneself to work hard.
   • 2007 April 6, Gold Coast Bulletin, "Call of Sea Sirens":

     Hadn't heard a thing. Hard at work, head down, bum up.

Usage notes

Not to be confused with the American forms head/face down, ass up in reference to being a position to be sexually exploited. Similarly, neither is equivalent to keep one's head down, meaning to avoid notice.

Synonyms

• nose to the grindstone