This got me to wondering where this saying came from. From what I can find a miller had 2 grindstones, one moved, the other did not. If the gap between the stones was too close, the flour would burn, giving off a corresponding odor. The best tool the miller had was his nose: he would immediately be able to detect the slightest trace of burning and adjust the gap before any harm was done. But to do this effectively meant the miller had to stay constantly close to the stones — hence, keep his nose to the grindstone.
Jeff0811 over 7 years ago
This got me to wondering where this saying came from. From what I can find a miller had 2 grindstones, one moved, the other did not. If the gap between the stones was too close, the flour would burn, giving off a corresponding odor. The best tool the miller had was his nose: he would immediately be able to detect the slightest trace of burning and adjust the gap before any harm was done. But to do this effectively meant the miller had to stay constantly close to the stones — hence, keep his nose to the grindstone.
Perkycat over 7 years ago
Sounds good to me. Thanks for doing the research. It’s always interesting to find out how some of these sayings come into existence.
mggreen over 7 years ago
I want to know why he took off his pants for a nose injury . . .