The Village Idiom

put a shift in

When someone "puts a shift in," it means they are putting in a lot of effort or working hard at something for an extended period of time.

Money & work · Filed under P

In a sentence

  • He really needs to put a shift in if he wants to finish this project on time.
  • If you want to succeed in your career, you have to put a shift in and work hard.
  • She put a shift in and managed to clean the entire house before the guests arrived.

Where it comes from and how it is used

The idiom "put a shift in" is a commonly used phrase in the English language. It means working hard and exerting effort to complete a task or job. This phrase has its roots in the industrial revolution and refers to the practice of employees working long hours to meet production demands. Over time, "put a shift in" has evolved to encompass any type of strenuous effort or hard work. It is now commonly used in various settings beyond traditional labor-intensive jobs.

The third related idiom is "push the envelope". This phrase means to go beyond the limits or boundaries of what is considered normal or acceptable. When someone "puts a shift in" and also "pushes the envelope", it suggests that they are not only working hard but also taking risks or exploring innovative ideas. This combination of hard work and pushing boundaries can lead to groundbreaking achievements or advancements in various fields.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.