English Explanatory Dictionary

at the coal face

English dictionary entry

Meanings

prep_phrase
  1. Directly engaged in the operations of a business, rather than in a hands off, managerial position.

Pronunciation

en-au-at the coal face.ogg

Word forms

at the coal face

Etymology

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.

Synonyms

in the trenches where the rubber meets the road

Related words

chalkface codeface front line day-to-day hands-on nitty-gritty nuts and bolts on the tools roll up one's sleeves
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