at the coal face

English

at the coal face, where the work is actually happening

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.

Prepositional phrase

at the coal face

(Britain, idiomatic) To be directly engaged in the operations of a business, rather than in a hands-off, managerial position.

Synonyms

in the trenches, where the rubber meets the road

References

Re: "at the coal face...", posted by Lewis on June 21, 2004, The Phrase Finder

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