Keep an ear to the grindstone
Posted: December 1, 2012 Filed under: ACTION, BODY PARTS, ear, grindstone, nose, THINGS | Tags: blended idioms, ear, expressions, grindstone, keep an ear to the ground, malaphors, mixed idioms, nose, words 4 CommentsThis one is similar to an earlier malaphor, “put your shoulder to the grindstone” (posted July 20, 2012 – see body parts in index), except it mixes “keep an ear to the ground” (devote attention to watching or listening to clues) and “keep your nose to the grindstone” (work hard and constantly). While these two idioms have different meanings, they both express diligence in an action. They also both have the word “keep” in them. Finally, adding to the confusion are the use of body parts. Body parts are a common source of confusion for some reason, particularly if they are in close proximity – in this case, ears and noses. An amusing aside – I heard this one from a supervisor who was giving me advice.
Malaphors 
Ouch!
some people have to ask what a grindstone is….. even with the internet at their fingertips.
So Keep Your Fingertips To The Grindstone !
I’m a designer at a magazine, someone said this in an interview and I had to double check to see if this was a lone example of it being used.
Definitely going to be leaving it in the final piece.
Thanks! Hope you are enjoying my site. If you hear any malaphors, shoot them this way and I will post!