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 === === 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