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 (AU) (file)

Adverb

head down, bum up (not comparable)

(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