Antonyms for grindstone

Grammar : Noun

Spell : grahynd-stohn

Phonetic Transcription : ˈgraɪndˌstoʊn

Definition of grindstone

Origin : early 13c. "millstone," from grind (v.) in sense of "sharpen" + stone (n.); meaning "revolving stone disc used for sharpening, etc." is from c.1400. Phrase nose to the grindstone in use by 1530s; originally to get control of another and treat him harshly:
This Text holdeth their noses so hard to the grindstone, that it clean disfigureth their Faces. [John Frith, "Mirror to know Thyself," 1532]
The main modern (reflective) sense of "work hard" is from 1828.

As in occupation : noun profession, business
As in task : noun job or chore, often assigned
As in work : noun labor, chore

Example sentences :

Their weapons and tools are highly polished, and have evidently been ground on a grindstone.
Extract from : « English Villages » by P. H. Ditchfield

The grindstone was soon in motion; the sparks were flying off in showers.
Extract from : « Barnaby Rudge » by Charles Dickens

Sparks fly from a grindstone when you are sharpening a knife.
Extract from : « Common Science » by Carleton W. Washburne

Surface impurity can of course be got rid of by means of a grindstone.
Extract from : « On Laboratory Arts » by Richard Threlfall

The pottery when cold may be dressed on a grindstone if necessary.
Extract from : « On Laboratory Arts » by Richard Threlfall

It was more like a superior sort of traveling-tinker's grindstone than anything else.
Extract from : « The Lock And Key Library » by Various

Oil is used on oilstones for the same purpose as water on a grindstone.
Extract from : « Handwork in Wood » by William Noyes

The grindstone for woodworking tools is best when rather fine and soft.
Extract from : « Handwork in Wood » by William Noyes

But a grindstone should never stand in water or it would rot.
Extract from : « Handwork in Wood » by William Noyes

And he pointed to a grindstone that was turning and doing its work exactly like the others.
Extract from : « Put Yourself in His Place » by Charles Reade

Synonyms for grindstone

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019