in harness
Doing one's usual job; at work. I know you're not thrilled to be in harness on this Monday, gentlemen, but please try to focus. When are you back in harness after your trip? A: "Oh, you're back in the harness already?" B: "Yep, don't remind me!"
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
in harness
On duty or at work. For example,
Despite his illness he's determined to continue in harness. It also is put as
be back in harness, meaning "to return to duty or work," as in
After a long vacation she's finally back in harness. This expression alludes to horses harnessed to perform work. [First half of 1800s] Also see
die with one's boots on (in harness).
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
in harness
mainly BRITISH1. If someone is in harness, they are actively doing their job. Note: A harness is a set of straps like the one that is fitted to a horse when it pulls a cart. Random jumped at the chance to be back in harness. Other workers may die in harness, in which case their beneficiaries receive the money.
2. If two or more people or things work in harness, they work together or produce something together. Note: A harness is a set of straps like the one that is fitted to a horse when it pulls a cart. Experts in statistics and computing may work in harness on a single project. What is fundamental to creativity is for the two hemispheres of the brain to be working in harness.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
in harness
1 in the routine of daily work. 2 working closely with someone to achieve something. The image is of a horse or other animal being used for driving or draught work.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
in ˈharness (with somebody)
(British English) working closely with somebody in order to achieve something: The manager told us to remember that we’re a team, and that we can achieve much greater results if we’re working in harness.in ˈharness
(British English) doing your normal work, especially after a rest or a holiday/vacation: After so many weeks away, it felt good to be back in harness again.A harness is a set of strips of leather and metal pieces that is used for controlling a horse.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
in harness
On duty or at work.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.