schouders eronder zetten
Dutch
[edit]Etymology
[edit]Literally, “to put [one's] shoulders under it”, referring to the physical action of lifting heavy objects on one's shoulders.
Verb
[edit]- (idiomatic, intransitive) to work hard and make a strong effort; to put in the work
- Als we nu even de schouders eronder zetten, kunnen we straks rustig aan doen. ― If we put in the work now, we can go easy afterwards.
- Kom op, schouders eronder zetten, dan zijn we zo klaar. ― Come on, let's work hard and we'll be done in no time.
Usage notes
[edit]- Often, but not necessarily, preceded by the definite article de.
- Sometimes encountered with elision of the verb as an interjection of encouragement, e.g.: kom op iedereen, schouders eronder!
Conjugation
[edit]Conjugation of schouders eronder zetten: see zetten.