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at the coal face

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

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.
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Submitted on July 07, 2010

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    "at the coal face." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Mar. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/at-the-coal-face_10960>.

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