Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- noun The surface of coal exposed by mining.
- noun The place where the coal is being mined.
- noun The end of a drift or entry or room in a coal-mine.
Etymologies
Sorry, no etymologies found.
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Examples
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Americans like to think of Brits as a two-class people: the lords and ladies who drift from soiree to soiree eating watercress, and the chimney sweeps - Dick Van Dyke in coal-face, doing atrocious Cockney.
'Kate-alikes': Would-be princesses find a new muse in Kate Middleton 2011
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I also believe that the police service (and by that I means the boys and girls on the coal-face) have been treated like shite from both sides.
Police Investigate MP’s Expenses « POLICE INSPECTOR BLOG Inspector Gadget 2009
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Admirers say Blankfein's coal-face experience gives him an edge, allowing him a ready grasp of his bank's risk positioning.
Lloyd Blankfein. King of Wall Street defiant under siege 2010
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But those of us who deal with the Americans at the diplomatic coal-face have never really obsessed about labels: the relationship is what it is, and we can be comfortable that both sides recognise that.
Steve Clemons: UK-US Relations Deep if Not Frequent: Special Relationship Still "Special" 2010
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And many who are entitled to more prefer, or feel obliged, nonetheless to remain at the coal-face rather than to reveal a penchant for leisure.
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Meanwhile, back at the coal-face, Northampton Saints continue their remorseless march back to the top flight with a 79-10, 12-try thrashing of Esher.
Archive 2007-10-21 2007
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Meanwhile, back at the coal-face, Northampton Saints continue their remorseless march back to the top flight with a 79-10, 12-try thrashing of Esher.
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Following years of coal-face research Mr Humbug has matched the personality of the parent in question to his preferred sweet treat.
Archive 2008-05-01 Thatsnews 2008
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"In all respects, the strategy will be to shift more and better resources to the front, at the coal-face of the fight against crime," he said.
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Intriguingly there is division among Australian geoscientists – academics taking the AGW position while industry types working at the coal-face the sceptical position.
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