shoulder on/soldier on
Soldiers are expected to do their duty despite all obstacles, and that’s why we say that a person who perseveres soldiers on. But because “soldier” is rarely used as a verb in modern English, many people mix this expression up with a more common one involving pushing through crowds: to shoulder through. People shouldering are being pushy, usually in an obnoxious way. People who soldier on are admirably determined to carry on despite difficulties.
___________
This week's entries feature selections from the revised and expanded third edition of Common Errors in English Usage—now available to order on the William, James & Company Web site.
The cover price is $19, but enter the coupon code FIFTEEN to buy it for
the introductory price of $15 through the end of this year.
Read about the new edition on the Common Errors blog.
If you are not ready for a change, you can still order the second edition at the discounted price of $12 (while supplies last).
As always, both editions come with free shipping within the US.
Found use of shoulder on when soldier was called for in Abraham Vergase' "Cutting for Stone. Where are the editors?
ReplyDelete