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Grind

.

To work up for an examination; to grind up the subjects set, and to grind into the memory the necessary cram. The allusion is to a mill, and the analogy evident.

To grind one down. To reduce the price asked; to lower wages. A knife, etc., is gradually reduced by grinding.

To take a grind is to take a constitutional walk; to cram into the smallest space the greatest amount of physical exercise. This is the physical grind. The literary grind is a turn at hard study.

To take a grinder is to insult another by applying the left thumb to the nose and revolving the right hand round it, as if working a hand-organ or coffee-mill. This insulting retort is given when someone has tried to practise on your credulity, or to impose upon your good faith.

 

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Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Grig
Grim (Giant)
Grimace
Grimalkin or Graymalkin (French, gris malkin)
Grimes (Peter)
Grimm’s Law
Grimsby (Lincolnshire)
Grim’s Dyke
Grimwig
Grin and Bear It (You must)
Grind
Grinders
Grisaille
Grise
Grisilda or Griselda
Grist
Grizel or Grissel
Groaning Cake
Groaning Chair
Groaning Malt
Groat

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